First Unitarian Society of Madison is a Unitarian Universalist faith community comprised of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences holding an expansive variety of theological beliefs who gather in support of one another on our spiritual and ethical journeys. We agree there is no single, superior path but instead many possibilities. In our congregation of many theological viewpoints, love unites us. We join together in covenant to find more connection, meaning, joy, and fulfillment in our days. FUS is a Welcoming Congregation and we work to create an inclusive religious community where LGBTQ+IA justice and equity is a core part of who we are. All of who you are is sacred. All of who you are is welcome here.
what we believe
Unitarian Universalism has always taught that deeds matter more than creeds, and that the quality of our lives counts for more than the correctness of our beliefs.
Our Bond of Union, Mission Statement, the Purposes and Covenant of our National Association, and our shared values as Unitarian Universalists guide us in spiritual exploration that we trust will lead to greater insight and to informed ethical action.
our continuing bond of union
We whose names are hereunto inscribed, desiring a religious organization in the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth, which shall make integrity of life its first aim and leave thought free, associate ourselves together as the First Unitarian Society of Madison and accept to its membership those of whatever theological opinion who wish to unite with us in the promotion of truth, righteousness, reverence and charity among all. (1879, amended & re-affirmed in 1980)
vision & mission statements
Vision Statement:
The vision of First Unitarian Society is to be a spiritual community of belonging. We will transform ourselves and society through the practices of radical welcome, deep listening, and compassionate, authentic connection. We envision a world fueled by love and justice.
Mission Statement:
At First Unitarian Society, we question boldly, listen humbly, grow spiritually, act courageously, and love unapologetically.
purposes and covenant
While our congregation is an independent and autonomous entity, we belong to and support the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), which provides services and resources to more than 1,000 member societies. Our denomination’s Purposes and Covenant are the product of much reflection and grass-root discussion. They are periodically revisited and revised, most recently in 2024. These are not meant to be treated as “doctrine,” but rather as aspirational statements that we strive to live up to.
Values and Covenant
Our shared values:
Love: We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.
Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.
We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
Pluralism: We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.
Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.
We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.
Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.
We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.
Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.
Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.
We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.
Inspirations
Direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder are primary sources of Unitarian Universalist inspiration. These experiences open our hearts, renew our spirits, and transform our lives. We draw upon, and are inspired by, sacred, secular, and scientific understandings that help us make meaning and live into our values. These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary, difficult, and joyous times. We respect the histories, contexts, and cultures in which these sources were created and are currently practiced. Grateful for the experiences that move us, aware of the religious ancestries we inherit, and enlivened by the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom.
