The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist
Association, covenant 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 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 instructs us
to live in harmony with the rythms 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.
1. We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All
individuals should be encouraged to develop their own
personal theology, and to present openly their religious
opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.
2. We believe in the toleration of religious ideas. All religions,
in every age and culture, possess not only an intrinsic
merit, but also a potential value for those who have learned
the art of listening.
3. We believe in the authority of reason and conscience. The
ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, or a document,
or an official, but the personal choice and decision of the
individual.
4. We believe in the never-ending search for Truth. If the
mind and heart are truly free and open, the revelations
which appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous,
eternally fruitful, and wondrously exciting.
5. We believe in the unity of experience. There is no
fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge, religion
and the world, the sacred and the secular, since they all
have their source in the same reality.
6. We believe in the worth and dignity of each human being.
All people on earth have an equal claim to life, liberty,
and justice -- and no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior
to a single human life.
7. We believe in the ethical application of religion. Good
works are the natural product of a good faith, the evidence
of an inner grace that finds completion in social and
community involvement.
8. We believe in the motive force of love. The governing
principle in human relationships is the principle of love,
which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks
to hurt or destroy.
9. We believe in the necessity of the democratic process.
Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to
members, and ideas are open to criticism -- so that people
might govern themselves.
10. We believe in the importance of a religious community.
The validation of experience requires the confirmation of
peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network
of mutual support.
-- David O. Rankin
Copyright 1989 by
Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-2100
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