As Unitarian Universalists, we are not bound by a creed, but rather by core beliefs affirming that everyone has inherent worth and dignity. We appreciate diversity and inclusion. We believe that the many differences among us—race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, political persuasion, ability, class and more—enrich our congregational life and help each of us to create a more equitable society and a more vibrant Beloved Community at church.

Our Social Justice History

Since our founding in 1830, our members have included community leaders who championed social change in Greater Cincinnati. Some causes include abolition, with several members involved in the Underground Railroad in the mid-1800's; voting rights, as Cincinnati was one of the first cities in the nation to establish the League of Women Voters in 1920; elimination of the city charter that discriminated against LGBTQIA+ citizens in 2004; and current-day literacy efforts, tutoring South Avondale kindergartners.

Social Justice Efforts

Our social justice team, the recently renamed Rev. W.H.G. Carter Social Justice Team, strategizes justice advocacy, mobilizes members, and works closely with collaborative advocacy partners. Its longest-running activities support social service organizations, food justice, public education, voting rights, and environmentalism.
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  • ​​Share the Plate—collects donations for a different service organization every month, most in our local community. Recipient organizations are recommended by members. 
  • ​Shiloh Food Pantry in Avondale—For more than 15 years, one of the largest food banks in town has depended on our volunteers at their weekly food distributions and on their Board of Directors.​
  • South Avondale Elementary Tutors--For more than a decade, our volunteers have assisted kindergartners in attaining first-grade reading competency.
  • ​​UU the Vote—This group, which activates during election season, mobilizes us to generate thousands of non-partisan postcards and phone calls encouraging registered voters from all political parties to participate in critical local, state, and federal elections.​​
  • Earth Care—This team oversees church building recycling, creates opportunities for members to recycle materials such as Styrofoam and batteries, maintains a pollinator garden that nurtures the environment, and educates members about earth care.

Opening Hearts Tracks Our Justice Efforts, Gaps

Our Opening Hearts team works with all church leaders to provide education about our own biases toward people who are different or oppressed, to learn how to be allies, accomplices, and advocates, and to ensure that First Church is physically and spiritually welcoming and accessible to all who come through our doors. Opening Hearts focuses on “five pillars” of ableism, anti-racism, classism, gender identity and multiculturalism. Our initiatives range across book and film discussions, worship services, seminars, music, monetary and other support for causes, assistive hearing devices in the sanctuary, public collaborations, etc. Contact Opening Hearts via email [email protected].
You can sign up for many events through links in our calendar. For others, please email the team sponsoring the event.
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First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati  | 536 Linton Street (at Reading Road) | South Avondale | Cincinnati, OH 45219 | 513-281-1564 | ​[email protected]