The Affirmation of our Church
Love is the doctrine of our church; The quest of truth is its sacrament,
And service is its prayer. To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom, To serve humanity in fellowship,
To the end that all souls shall grow in harmony with the divine–
Thus do we covenant with each other…
Together, we create a force more powerful than one person or one belief system.
As Unitarian Universalists, we do not have to check our personal background and beliefs at the door: we join together on a journey that honors everywhere we’ve been before. Together, we create a force more powerful than one person or one belief system.
Our beliefs are diverse and inclusive. We have no shared creed. Our shared covenant (our seven Principles) supports “the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Though Unitarianism and Universalism were both liberal Christian traditions, this responsible search has led us to an inclusive spirituality drawn from six sources: from scriptural wisdom to personal experience to modern day heroes.
Unitarian Universalists believe more than one thing. We think for ourselves, and reflect together, about important questions including the existence of a Higher Power, life and death, sacred texts, inspiration and guidance, and prayer and spiritual practices.
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF UNITARIAN UNIVERALISM
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.”
1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
THE SIX SOURCES OF UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM
We live out the 7 Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience.
1
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.
2
Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.
3
Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.
4
Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
5
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.
6
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.
These seven Principles and six Sources of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) grew out of the grassroots of our tradition, were affirmed democratically, and are part of who we are. Read them as they are written in the UUA Bylaws.
