The Principles and Purposes
of the Unitarian Universalist Association
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.