What Unitarian Universalists
Believe
We uphold the free search for truth . We will
not be bound by a statement of belief, We do not ask anyone to subscribe
to a creed. We say ours is a non-creedal religion; ours is a free faith.
We believe that religious wisdom is
ever-changing, Human understanding of life and death, the world and its
mysteries, is never final. Revelation is continuous. We celebrate
unfolding truths known to teachers, prophets and sages throughout the
ages.
We affirm the worth of all women and men. We
believe people should be encouraged to think for themselves. We know
people differ in their opinions and life-styles and believe these
differences generally should be honored.
Principles of the Unitarian
Universalist Association
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian
Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote
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The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
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Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
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Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual
growth in our congregations;
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A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
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The right of conscience and the use of the democratic
process within our congregations and in society at large;
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The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and
justice for all;
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Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of
which we are a part.
The living tradition which we share draws from many
sources:
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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;
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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;
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Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in
our ethical and spiritual life;
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Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond
to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
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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.
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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.
From www.uua.org
David Rankin's Ten Beliefs
(David O. Rankin is
a long time Unitarian Universalist Minister, Free lance writer, and
activist from Moscow, Idaho. His "Ten Beliefs" are considered one of
the great starting points in understanding Unitarian Universalism.)
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We believe in the freedom of religious expression. All
individuals should be encouraged to develop a personal theology, and
to openly present their religious opinions without fear of censure or
reprisal.
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We believe in tolerance of religious ideas. The
religions of every age and culture have something to teach those who
listen.
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We believe in the authority of reason and conscience.
The ultimate arbiter in religion is not a church, a document, or an
official, but the personal choice and decision of the individual.
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We believe in the search for truth. With an open mind
and heart, there is no end to the fruitful and exciting revelations
that the human spirit can find.
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We believe in the unity of experience. There is no
fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge; religion and the
world; the sacred and the secular.
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We believe in the worth and dignity of each human
being. All people on earth have an equal claim to life., liberty and
justice; no idea, ideal, or philosophy is superior to a single human
life.
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We believe in the ethical application of religion.
Inner grace and faith find completion in social and community
involvement.
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We believe in the force of love, that the governing,
principle in human relationships is the principle of love, which seeks
to help and heal, never to hurt or destroy.
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We believe in the necessity of the democratic process.
Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to members, and ideas
are open to criticism, so that people might govern themselves.
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We believe in the importance of a religious community.
Peers confirm and validate experience, and provide a critical
platform, as well as a network of mutual support.
From Our Chosen Faith: An
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, by John A. Buehrens and F.
Forrester Church (Boston: Beacon Press, 1989).

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