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Sunday Morning Adult Round Table
9:30 - 10:45 am
Library
January 18, 2009
Changing the Principles and Purposes?
Discuss the proposed revision of the UUA Principles and
Purposes, the Sources of Our Living Tradition, and Statements of
Non-discrimination and Freedom of Belief. The first vote on this revision is
expected at General Assembly 2009. Ben Luoma, Chair, Mission and Outreach Ministry.
A comparison of the proposed text with current text is
below. The full report on the revision process is available online and in
the volunteer area.
Full report
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Proposed Revision of
Article II of the UUA Bylaws
Comparison Document
Printer friendly pdf
Excerpted from "The Report of The Unitarian Universalist Commission on Appraisal
On The Mandated Review of ARTICLE II OF THE UUA BYLAWS, December 19, 2008"
Full report
ARTICLE II: Covenant
Purposes revision proposal
Section C-2.1 Purposes.
This association of free yet interdependent congregations devotes its resources to and exercises its corporate powers for
religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes. It supports the creation, vitality, and growth of congregations that aspire
to live out the Unitarian Universalist Principles. Through public witness and advocacy, it advances the Principles in the world.
Purposes current text
Section C-2.2. Purposes.
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.
Sources revision proposal
Section C 2.2. Sources.
Unitarian Universalism is rooted in two religious heritages. Both are grounded on thousands of years of
Jewish and Christian teachings, traditions, and experiences. The Unitarian heritage has affirmed that we
need not think alike to love alike and that God is one. The Universalist heritage has preached not hell but
hope and courage, and the kindness and love of God. Contemporary Unitarian Universalists have reaped
the benefits of a legacy of prophetic words and deeds.
Unitarian Universalism is not contained in any single book or creed. Its religious authority lies in the individual,
nurtured and tested in the congregation and the wider world. As an evolving religion, it draws from the teachings,
practices, and wisdom of the world's religions. Humanism, earth-centered spiritual traditions, and Eastern religions
have served as vital sources. Unitarian Universalism has been influenced by mysticism, theism, skepticism, naturalism,
and process thought as well as feminist and liberation theologies. It is informed by direct experiences of mystery and
wonder, beauty and joy. It is enriched by the creative power of the arts, the guidance of reason, and the lessons of the sciences.
Grateful for the traditions that have strengthened our own, we strive to avoid misuse of cultural and religious practices while
seeking ways of appreciation that are respectful and welcomed.
Sources current text
Section C-2.1. Principles.
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 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.
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.
Principles revision proposal
Section C-2.3 Principles.
Grateful for the gift of life, we commit ourselves as member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association to embody together the transforming power of love as we covenant to honor and uphold:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of democratic processes;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Reverence for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
As free yet interdependent congregations, we enter into this covenant, pledging to one another our mutual trust and support. Capable of both good and evil, at times we are in need of forgiveness and reconciliation. When we fall short of living up to this covenant, we will begin again in love, repair the relationship, and recommit to the promises we have made.
Principles current text
Section C-2.1. Principles.
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.
Non-discrimination revision proposal
Section C-2.4 Inclusion.
Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be an association of congregations that truly welcome all persons and commit to structuring congregational and associational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone's participation.
Non-discrimination current text
Section C-2.3. Non-discrimination.
The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member congregations 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, ethnicity, gender, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, language, citizenship status, economic status, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.
Freedom of Belief revision proposal
Section C-2.5 Freedom of Belief.
Congregational freedom is central to the Unitarian Universalist heritage. Congregations may establish statements of purpose,
covenants, and bonds of union so long as they do not require a statement of belief as a creedal test for membership; nor may
the Association employ such a test for congregational affiliation.
Freedom of Belief current text
Section C-2.4. Freedom of Belief.
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 congregation
unless such is used as a creedal test.
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First Unitarian Church * Unitarian Universalist * UU * Louisville Kentucky * KY
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