Clergy & Priesthood

The UUA ordains ministers who are trained, examined, and fellowshipped through the UUA's credentialing process. UU ministry is understood as service to the congregation and to the broader community — not as a priestly role mediating between God and the people. There is no sacerdotal priesthood in the Catholic sense: UU ministers do not claim special spiritual powers through ordination.

The UUA has been at the forefront of inclusive ordination. Women have been ordained in the Unitarian tradition since the late 19th century (Olympia Brown was ordained in 1863). The UUA fully ordains LGBTQ+ ministers and has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ inclusion since the 1970s. This reflects the UUA's foundational commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of every person and the rejection of discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.

UU ministers serve as worship leaders, pastoral caregivers, educators, and community organizers. They may come from any religious background and theological position — including non-theism — as long as they are committed to UU principles. The UUA also affirms multiple forms of religious leadership beyond ordained ministry, including religious educators and community ministers.