About Starr King

Starr King Unitarian Universalist Church of Hayward was founded in 1954 and named after Thomas Starr King, a Unitarian Universalist hero who preached in California. The church began as a do-it-yourself operation that purchased the grounds of a lovely old plant nursery beside a creek. Since then, the church has grown, but we’ve stayed true to our welcoming nature and values.

The stained glass in our sanctuary features a flaming chalice, the East Bay hills, our beloved wisteria, and symbols of our welcoming church.

Mission Statement 

Approved by the Board of Trustees in 2007

Starr King Unitarian Universalist Church in Hayward, California is a welcoming congregation that strives to foster respect and compassion for all people and a reverence for nature. We support one another in our search for spiritual and religious meaning and are committed to working for justice in the larger community.

Our Commitment

Approved by our congregation in 2013

We faithfully try to be a congregation that…

  • embraces a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse community in which meaningful transformative spiritual practice flourish
  • assists and celebrates each individual’s search for truth through the unity of fellowship and common worship.
  • provides adults and children with a rich array of opportunities for personal and spiritual growth through involvement, leadership, and service
  • warmly welcomes visitors into our spiritual community and lovingly supports our members through crises and transitions.
  • addresses social justice issues, making a real difference in people’s lives through education and action as well as moral, spiritual and material support.
  • works to protect the earth and its resources and cultivates a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment that enriches our community and spiritual life
  • operates its business affairs legally, ethically, compassionately, prudently, and transparently, and develops budgets and fundraising initiatives that support the congregation’s needs, goals, and values.

Our Vision

To be a spiritual community for our time: theologically diverse, radically inclusive, justice centered.

Covenant of Good Relations

Approved by the congregation in 2007

In the covenantal tradition of Unitarian Universalism, we strive to build our religious community on a foundation of kindness, understanding and tolerance and to be guided by our principles in all our actions and interactions. We covenant to welcome one another as unique individuals and to celebrate our diverse beliefs as we walk our chosen paths together. We promise to share our gifts and to encourage and appreciate the contributions of others.

To foster a community of respect, we will speak kindly of one another and to one another and, should difficulties arise between or among us, we will speak directly to those concerned with the goal of reconciliation. We will not engage in harmful gossip and we will urge others to resolve difficulties directly with the person/s concerned. Should we need assistance to restore good relations, we will call upon the process and resources provided by Starr King Unitarian Universalist Church. We will participate in the democratic process by which our religious community governs itself, and we will respect the outcomes of the collective wisdom. For the health, and well being of our beloved community, we make this pledge together.