The Unitarian movement developed in the16th century in Europe and in the 18th century in America . Its founders were liberal Christians who rejected the doctrine of the trinity and believed in the simple unity of God.

Universalism also began in Europe in opposition to the harsh doctrine that only the elect will be saved. They believed that salvation is universal for "the whole family of humankind.

In the late 19th century, the two denominations broadened beyond Christianity to include other religious ideas and secular sources of understanding. In 1961, the two groups merged into one movement called "Unitarian Universalism."

Unitarian Universalism shares a living tradition drawn from many sources, including:

    Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures which move us to a renewal of the spirit and openness to the forces which create and uphold life;

    Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

    Wisdom from the world's religions, which inspire us in our ethical and spiritual life;

    Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;

    Humanist teachings, which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit;

    Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions, which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.