Unitarian Universalist Association Principles and
Purposes
     
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 love 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.
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.
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