Unitarian Universalism grew from the union of two radical Christian groups: the Universalists, who organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825. They joined to become the UUA in 1961. Both groups trace their roots in North America to the early Massachusetts settlers and the Framers of the Constitution. Across the globe, our legacy reaches back centuries to liberal religious pioneers in England, Poland, and Transylvania.

Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that has changed in many ways from the original Christian roots of its Universalist and Unitarian heritages, and it continues to evolve today. Most recently, this evolution has taken the form of adopting new language to describe who we are as UUs. At General Assembly in June 2024, UUs voted to replace existing Seven Principles and Six Sources language in our bylaws with language describing Unitarian Universalism through these shared values:

• Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it.
• Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
• Justice: We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.
• Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.
• Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
• Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.

Our Inland Northwest Unitarian Universalist Community (INUUC) was formed in July, 2020, when several dozen members the UU Church of Spokane left that church to explore founding a new, spiritual UU community that would be joyfully intergenerational and radically inclusive. And in April, 2021, we were officially welcomed as a new congregation by the UUA.

Today, we are an informal, curious, and compassionate group of individuals seeking meaning, celebrating life, and serving the spirit of love and justice in our world. We are committed to creating an inspiring and soul-nourishing space for spiritual exploration and fulfillment. We aspire to come together through activism and volunteerism to better the inland northwest community and our world. We are passionate about our social justice activities, and have allocated 10% of our annual budget to support these activities.

We meet in person for Sunday services twice a month, where we practice radical, pre-emptive inclusivity so that all feel welcome in our space, including children. On alternative weeks, we meet on Zoom.

Our history is short, successful and action packed. From the beginning, we have embraced each other with love and acceptance. As we move forward, we are seeking a home of our own, a minister who shares our goals, and continued engagement with each other and the larger community.

Updated: November15, 2024