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What We Believe
It has been said
that Unitarian Universalism is a religion of shared values rather
than shared beliefs---a religion where members have committed
themselves to a common religious quest rather than a common
doctrine. The values we share are expressed in the "Seven
Principles" adopted by the Unitarian Universalist Association.
We,
the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association,
covenant to affirm and promote:
·
Justice,
equity, compassion in human relations.
·
Acceptance of
one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our
congregations.
·
The inherent
worth and dignity of every person.
·
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 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.
·
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 the 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. |