We are a Unitarian Universalist Community Grounded in Justice, Compassion, and Freedom
At Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, being a liberal church means something deeper than politics. It means freedom of belief, courage of conscience, and a commitment to shaping a more just and compassionate world—together.
If you’re searching for a liberal church in Orange County, or a spiritual community that welcomes questions, diversity, and action for justice, you’re in the right place.
What Does “Liberal Church” Mean?
A liberal church is rooted in freedom—freedom to think, to question, and to grow.
In a liberal faith community:
- Belief is not dictated by creed or doctrine
- Questions are welcomed, not punished
- Science, reason, and lived experience are honored
- Love and justice matter more than rigid answers
- We don’t tell you what to believe. We invite you to explore how to live with integrity, compassion, and responsibility in a complex world.
How Is Unitarian Universalism Different from Mainline Christianity?
- Unitarian Universalism is a distinct religious tradition.
- While many UU churches draw wisdom from Christianity, we are not bound by a single sacred text, savior, or theology. Instead, we draw from:
- Multiple religious traditions
- Humanist and scientific insights
- Personal experience and ethical reflection
There is no required belief about God at OCUUC. Our community includes:
- Theists, atheists, and agnostics
- Christians, former Christians, and people from other faith backgrounds
- Those who are spiritual but not religious
What unites us is not belief - but shared values: justice, equity, compassion, and the interdependent web of life.
Why Liberal Faith Matters Now
In a time of rising authoritarianism, climate crisis, and deep social division, liberal faith communities play a vital role.
We believe:
- Democracy depends on ethical courage and moral imagination
- Climate justice is a spiritual responsibility, not a political trend
- Inclusion is sacred—especially for LGBTQ+ people, families, and those marginalized by society
- Religion should never be used to dominate, exclude, or control
- A liberal church offers something urgently needed today:
a place where faith fuels justice, where love resists fear, and where hope is grounded in action.
Who Feels at Home Here?
People who often find their way to OCUUC include:
- Those who are done with rigid or dogmatic religion
- People seeking a progressive, liberal church near them
- LGBTQ+ individuals and families seeking full affirmation
- Parents raising thoughtful, compassionate children
- Justice-minded people who don’t see activism and spirituality as separate
- Longtime spiritual seekers—and those just beginning
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be open to showing up as you are.
A Liberal Church Rooted in Community
As a Unitarian Universalist church in Costa Mesa serving Orange County, OCUUC is both a spiritual home and a launchpad for justice, learning, and connection.
If you’re looking for a liberal church in Orange County where your values and your questions belong—we invite you to join us.
New here? Visit us on Sunday or explore what to expect when you walk through our doors.
Summary: Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church (OCUUC) is a liberal church in Orange County that affirms democracy, climate action, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and freedom of belief. We serve Orange County including these nearby communities to our home base in Costa Mesa: Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, UCI, Tustin, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Orange, Westminster, Garden Grove, Newport Coast, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach.