On this continent we go back to the Massachusetts settlers and the founders of the republic. Outstanding Unitarians and Universalists include John Adams, Clara Barton, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Susan B. Anthony. Not as famous but equally worthy are the thousands of men and women in our congregations leading vital, dedicated and useful lives. Our congregations are self-governing. Authority and responsibility are vested in the membership of the congregation.
Every member is encouraged to take part in church or fellowship activities.
Each Unitarian Universalist congregation is involved in many kinds of programs. Worship is held regularly, the insights of the past and present are shared with those who will create the future, service to the community is undertaken and friendships are made. The UUA provides resources and offers consultations to local congregations, creates religious education curricula, spurs social action efforts, expedites the settlement of professional religious leaders, supports Beacon Press, and produces pamphlets, devotional material and the bimonthly journal The World. Since its early work aiding victims of Nazi oppression, the UUSC has been helping people help themselves with service and advocacy programs around the world. The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship provides a ministry to geographically isolated religious liberals.