Welcome to Granite Peak!

Friends. if you are exploring Unitarian Universalism for the first time, you may be wondering about the origin of our name. The Hungarian word Unitárius first appeared in print in 1600. The English translation Unitarian first appeared in 1673. These first Unitarians used reason to argue that the Trinitarian formulation of God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit was not in the Bible and was not logical. Jesus was a great human being, but not God. The word Unitarian refers to one God, as opposed to the Trinitarian division of God into three parts. 

 

The word Universalist appeared in England around 1750 and was brought to America in 1770. The first Universalists believed in universal salvation— God loves all of us and therefore all of us will go to heaven when we die. There is no hell. 

 

The American Unitarians and the Universalists merged in 1961 to form the Unitarian Universalist Association. In the twenty-first century our religious movement reflects these two roots of our faith. As Unitarians we affirm and promote the tools of reason and the scientific method. As Universalists we use these tools to help us learn to love each other and live in harmony with the earth.

 

Although these are our historic roots, we have no creed to which you must agree to be a member. Therefore, we are a diverse congregation. In the words of our former minister, Rev. Patty Willis, “We welcome you if you are liberal, conservative, whatever your political leanings. We welcome you if you find truth in one of the many world religions, atheism, science, consider yourself to be spiritual but not religious, or are a lifelong Unitarian Universalist! We celebrate religious freedom, religious pluralism, and the individual search for truth and meaning. We welcome all sexualities and genders.”

 

I know it can feel strange to visit a new church for the first time. Let me assure you that we love having visitors who come on Sunday to check us out. We love to have new members, but we will not pressure you to join until you are ready. 

 

Most of us hunger for a community where we can develop friends, close friends. This church can be such a place for you. Give us a try. 

 

Rev. Roger Fritts