Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes
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.
The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association
The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to
and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational
and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association
is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new
congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions
and implement its principles.The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility,
and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote
the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities
and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race,
color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age,
or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular
interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief
or creed.Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual
freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian
heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant,
or bond of union used by any society unless such is used as a
creedal test.