Thank you for your interest in First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston!

If you have questioned the religion handed you in childhood, then a religion of the free mind, like Unitarian Universalism, may be where your search for religious beliefs and pursuit of individual truths can be fulfilled.

At First Church, we invite you to bring your interests, gifts and energy to join ours. We believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. We know people differ in their opinions and lifestyles, and we believe these differences generally should be honored.

If you are looking for a community where you can meet wonderful people who are doing good things, then First Church is worth a visit. We offer you many ways to get involved and find out more about us.

When You Join First Church

We realize that choosing a church is often a very difficult process that requires considerable personal discernment. If you choose to join us, you will become part of a religious tradition with a long and distinguished history. Many famous historical figures have been associated with Unitarian Universalism, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Thoreau, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Louisa May Alcott, Linus Pauling, Oliver Wendell Holmes and T. Berry Brazelton.

We believe religion, as a work in progress, is intimately connected with personal development and the way in which we conduct our lives. At First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, we endeavor to be responsive to the religious needs of each other and the community at large.

Unitarian Universalism is a creedless religion. As such, we do not hold to a set body of teachings. Instead, we commit ourselves to an individual search for truth and meaning within the context of a caring and interdependent community based on love, justice and respect for the individual’s chosen path. Thus, we endeavor to create a community through which we foster the religious and personal growth of each other.

As part of this community you will discover that we affirm the essential worth and dignity of each person. Each of us has the freedom to make up our own minds about our religious beliefs to ensure they give meaning and strength to our lives. In this spiritual process, we draw from many religious, scientific and philosophical traditions.

In fact our members come here from many traditions. Some were born into Unitarian Universalism and others have been members of other Unitarian Universalist congregations. However, a majority of our congregation comes from other religious backgrounds, and our members have long provided community leadership in service and in the struggle for social justice. We welcome you regardless of your religious background.

As a congregation, we not only have an openness to different faith traditions, we also support the empowerment of women and equal rights for all racial and ethnic groups. And we truly welcome people of all sexual orientations.

When you join this church, you affirm your personal responsibility for the shape and direction of your religious growth. A decision to become part of this community also means that you are willing to take seriously the religious quest and to share your gifts and time to build this liberal religious community. You also affirm your responsibility to embrace reason, the democratic process, and a continuing effort toward increased personal and spiritual growth.

Joining is easy. Just fill out the membership application card that can be found outside the church office. Turn it in to the church office or give it to one of the Sunday greeters. The church office will then call you to arrange a meeting with a member of the Executive Committee, or for you to come to the next "New UU" series. You will be asked to sign the Membership Book, and make a pledge, as you are able, of financial support for the current year. The Board of Trustees will confirm your membership at their next meeting.

Welcome!