covenant of right relations

West Seattle Unitarian Universalist Covenant of Right Relations

A covenant of right relations is a set of guidelines to create a welcoming, respectful, safe and vibrant spiritual community. This purpose is served through respectful communication amongst individuals when engaging in congregational activities. Such guidelines are meant to reduce the amount of conflict, misunderstandings and hurt feelings that can occur when people speak passionately about subjects important to them. Right relations are the foundation on which a safe congregation is based. As we work together to articulate our understanding of and affirm our commitment to the practice of right relations, we will enrich our ability to love, respect, and nurture each other in our lifelong spiritual quests.

Conflict is normal in healthy relationships. Disagreement, ideally, communicates caring and involvement. When practicing right relations, people may disagree vigorously but still treat each other respectfully, stay connected, and learn together. Power is shared. A sense of wellbeing pervades the congregation as people minister to one another. This allows each of us to choose with intention and act with integrity on what we believe and value, in a framework of respectful relationship with members of the fellowship, community and wider world.

As members of the WSUU Fellowship, the following guidelines are in place in order to create our own welcoming, respectful, safe and vibrant spiritual community where each person can search for truth and meaning in an environment that builds connections, renews spirit, and inspires action. While realizing that we do not always live up to our ideals, we know we can choose to grow in a manner that promotes a religious community grounded in love and justice. In pledging to follow these guidelines, we will serve our own spiritual development, one another, our religious home, our local community, our larger faith, and our world.

Members will strive to do the following asthey participate in the life of the fellowship:

Welcome and engage members and visitors alike, encouraging them to join in Fellowship activities

Value and express our own emotions and differences in a way that respects the worth and dignity of each person.

Express gratitude for the efforts of others

Listen attentively to appreciate fully another’s point of view, valuing the perspective of others

Support and encourage the personal and spiritual growth of others, acknowledging that each person has a unique path and truth

Support and respect the contracts and/or agreements with the minister, staff, board and congregational committees

Value confidentiality

Ask for help, support and collaboration when needed and encourage others to do the same

Build courage and commitment to voice our values in the world, and work toward positive relationships with other faith communities

Provide opportunities to share diverse ideas in a safe place

Approach disagreements and conflicts constructively, communicating with others in a direct, caring and responsible manner

Advocate for mediation and resolution processes agreeable to all parties, when conflicts and misunderstandings arise within the fellowship

Acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes. Seek and offer forgiveness.

This covenant is a living document. It can be reviewed by the congregation at any time in the future and adapted to fit changing needs and circumstances. It represents a commitment to thoughtful, active participation in the life of this religious community; caring and respectful relationships with one another and with visitors; cooperative support for the minister, staff and volunteers; and individual and collective contributions to the wider community.

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