Principles & Purposes
Although Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal religion, which does not require its members to accept a single set of spiritual beliefs, we do share certain fundamental values that as Unitarian Universalist congregations we have agreed to affirm and promote:
- The inherent dignity and worth 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 above seven principles are not set in stone. Recognizing that beliefs may change as human knowledge and experience expands, the UUA Bylaws include a provision for study and review of these principles not less than every 15 years. Any changes require approval by 2/3 vote of representatives from all UU congregations at an annual General Assembly.
Sources of Our Religious Beliefs
Unitarian Universalism draws from many sources in the belief that no one religion has all the answers and that most have something to teach us:
- 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.