The Principles of the Unitarian
Universalist Association
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist
Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual
growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic
process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice
for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of
which we are a part.
The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:
- Direct
experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all
cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to
the forces which create and uphold life;
- Words and deeds of prophetic women and men
which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with
justice, compassion and the transforming power of love;
- Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our
ethical and spiritual life;
- Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to
God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
- Humanist
teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the
results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and
spirit;
- Spiritual teachings of earth-centered
traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to
live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Grateful
for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we
are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free
congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our
mutual trust and support.