Principles and Sources of the 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 existence of which we are a part.
The living
tradition 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 cycle
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.