As Unitarian Universalists, we have many backgrounds and beliefs – and no “one creed” to pledge to. What we do have, however, is a collection of shared principles and values articulated in Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) bylaws. These principles and values help guide how UUs live our lives. The proposed revision to the wording of these values is currently being discussed among UU congregations and within the UUA – and we are all invited to read and reflect on the proposed, new version before a final vote on the wording at next year’s UUA General Assembly.
As background: for the past several decades, our UU values – called our Principles – have stayed stable. Since 1987 we have affirmed and promoted:
- 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.
UUCF passed an Eighth Principle in 2021, joining other UU congregations to:
- Covenant to affirm and promote journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
In 2021, the UUA appointed an Article II Study Commission to review and re-envision our principles, purposes, bylaws and rules. UUCF actively participated in discussions about this re-envisioning, holding three forums in January and March 2023 to review, reflect and share our thoughts. The draft principles were presented at the UUA General Assembly last June.
After much discussion at the last General Assembly, the Article II Study Commission has now presented the final version of the proposed revision to Article II of the UUA Bylaws. The Article II Study Commission reports in its letter presenting the final draft that this version “balanced a number of factors: the charge for inspirational and aspirational language, the legal implications of bylaws language, the need for plain language, respect for the will of the General Assembly in the voted-upon wording, and the depth of the conversations we have had among ourselves for the past two years.”
The proposed, final revision includes the following values and covenants:
As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope and courage, building on the foundation of love.
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love. Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:
Interdependence
We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.
We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
Pluralism
We celebrate that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture, experience and theology.
We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity and respect.
Justice
We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.
We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association and society at large.
Transformation
We adapt to the changing world.
We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.
Generosity
We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.
Equity
We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness.
We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.
Please take time to look at the revision. If you are interested in requesting an amendment to the proposed revision to Article II, please submit your amendment by Feb. 1, 2024. All qualified amendments will be considered at the UUA’s 2024 General Assembly. The amendment and final voting process is described here. Thank you for your thoughtful engagement on our shared values.