Clayton Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church

Newberry, South Carolina

Clayton Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Newberry, South Carolina, was officially organized on August 20, 1905, as a rural Universalist congregation. The church is named in honor of Rev. Daniel Bragg Clayton (1817–1906), a prominent and influential Southern Universalist minister, circuit rider, and publisher who played a central role in organizing and sustaining Universalist groups across South Carolina and Georgia.

Local Universalists named the church for Clayton shortly before his death in 1906 (with historical documentation noting the congregation’s creation in August 1905).

Following the 1961 consolidation of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America into the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the congregation adapted its identity. Its historical marker notes the denomination’s traditional renaming (formerly styled “Universalist Unitarian”) to preserve its heritage.

In 2018, Clayton Memorial became the first sanctuary church in South Carolina, offering a safe haven to immigrant families. The church continues to advocate for immigrants, equality, and all social justice causes.

UUA Values

Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that has changed in many ways from the original Christian roots of its Universalist and Unitarian heritages. We continue to evolve today.

In 2024, Unitarian Universalists voted through a democratic process to replace the language of Seven Principles and Six Sources with language describing Unitarian Universalism through a set of inseparable and deeply interconnected shared values, all centered around LOVE:

  • Interdependence: We honor the interdependent web of all existence and acknowledge our place in it. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.

We work to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.

  • Pluralism: We are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience, and theology.

We learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.

  • Justice: We work to be diverse, multicultural Beloved Communities where all feel welcome and can thrive.

We work to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.

  • Transformation: We adapt to the changing world.

We collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.

  • Generosity: We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.

We freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.

  • Equity: We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion.

We use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.

For some within Unitarian Universalism, there are seven Principles which reflect deeply held values and serve as a moral guide. The wisdom and spirituality of these Principles are drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience.

These seven Principles (Principios en Español, Principles in Other Languages) are as follows:

  1. 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  2. 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  3. 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  4. 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  5. 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  6. 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  7. 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.