Principles of UUA 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.
Statement from the Rev. William G. Sinkford
Moral values are not just particular opinions on "hot button" topics in
a divisive election year. Moral values grow out of our calling as
religious people to work to create the Beloved Community. Moral values
instruct us to "love our neighbors as ourselves" and always to ask the
question, "Who is my neighbor?" They are fundamentally inclusive rather
than exclusive, and they call on generosity of spirit rather than mean
spiritedness.
In this post election season, let me express some of the moral values
held dear by the Unitarian Universalist community, which I lead, and by
many other progressive people of faith:
* We believe that feeding the hungry and clothing the naked are
moral duties, and we will continue to work on behalf of economic
justice.
* We believe that ensuring equal civil rights for gay and lesbian
families is our moral duty, and we will continue to work for Marriage
Equality nationwide.
* We believe that serving as stewards of the earth is a moral
duty, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect the
environment.
* We believe that safeguarding a woman's right to choose is a
moral duty, and we will vigorously oppose any efforts to eliminate or
significantly compromise reproductive freedom.
* We believe that providing affordable health care for all
Americans is a moral duty, and we will continue to advocate for medical
rights for the young, the old, the frail, and all of those in need.
