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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.
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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.
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