The Principles, Sources and History of Our Faith
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. We live out these Principles within a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from sources as diverse as science, poetry, scripture, and personal experience.
Principles:
Sources:
- 1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- 2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- 4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- 5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- 6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- 7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
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 people 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.
The Flaming Chalice
At the opening of Unitarian Universalist worship services, many congregations light a flame inside a chalice. This flaming chalice has become a well-known symbol of our denomination. It unites our members in worship and symbolizes the spirit of our work For more information click on: Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice UUA.
At the opening of Unitarian Universalist worship services, many congregations light a flame inside a chalice. This flaming chalice has become a well-known symbol of our denomination. It unites our members in worship and symbolizes the spirit of our work For more information click on: Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice UUA.
The people of our Church together have chosen to be:
A Welcoming Congregation: We ask our state and nation to give equal rights to everyone. Being welcoming means striving for radical inclusion, and creating spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences. For instance, we strongly supported the movement for equal access to marriage for all couples, both straight and gay.
A Nuclear-Free Zone: Our congregation has taken a stand against the use of war and violence as a political tool. During the Vietnam War, our church provided Sanctuary to draft-resisters.
A Smoke-free environment: Our congregation encourages behaviors that keep our bodies healthy and our minds clear and curious. Our ethical principles call us to leave our world and environment in better shape than we received it.
A Supporter of a Woman's Right to choose birth control or abortion.
A Welcoming Congregation: We ask our state and nation to give equal rights to everyone. Being welcoming means striving for radical inclusion, and creating spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences. For instance, we strongly supported the movement for equal access to marriage for all couples, both straight and gay.
A Nuclear-Free Zone: Our congregation has taken a stand against the use of war and violence as a political tool. During the Vietnam War, our church provided Sanctuary to draft-resisters.
A Smoke-free environment: Our congregation encourages behaviors that keep our bodies healthy and our minds clear and curious. Our ethical principles call us to leave our world and environment in better shape than we received it.
A Supporter of a Woman's Right to choose birth control or abortion.