An Explanation Of UU Core Values
Part 2 of an examination of proposed changes to Article II of the UUA Bylaws
By Heather Millar
After processing material gathered from numerous individuals and groups over several years, the Article II Study Commission identified shared core values and developed this graphic to express them. They included in their explanation of each term what they frequently heard about the need to include the concepts included in the 8th Principle of taking meaningful action and specifically mentioning ending racism and other oppressions.
This is their proposed graphic to express our core values.
The following explanations are copied from the Article II Study Report 2021-2023, pages 22-23. See the entire Report.
Interdependence We honor the interdependent web of all existence. We covenant to cherish Earth and all beings by creating and nurturing relationships of care and respect. With humility and reverence, we acknowledge our place in the great web of life, and we work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
Pluralism We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.
Justice We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions.
Transformation We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.
Generosity We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.
Equity We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.
This Saturday, April 29, from 10:00 to noon there is a webinar to provide information about the proposed new Article II. Registration by this Friday, April 28, is required. Click this link to register. Please Register.
From an email received from the UUA’s General Assembly planners:
The following Zoom workshops to discuss amendments to the above-referenced Article II Study Commission Report are open to all Unitarian Universalists.
Amendment Discussion Workshop #1
Thursday, May 11, 7pm ET / 6pm CT / 5pm MT / 4pm PT
Register now for the May 11th workshop
Amendment Discussion Workshop #2
Thursday, May 18 7pm ET / 6pm CT / 5pm MT / 4pm PT
Register now for the May 18th workshop
Amendment Discussion Workshop #3
Sunday, May 21 4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT
Register now for the May 21st workshop
This is the link to the Article II Study Commission webpage that includes information about their work and recommendations.
The Article II Study Commission was charged to reimagine our principles, sources, and purposes. It is our responsibility to examine their processes and proposals. It is important to be informed before we react. Beginning with last week, a series of articles will appear in In The Know. Paula Cole Jones who is one of the main authors of our 8th Principle and a member of the Article II Study Commission will be leading a workshop at UUCA on May 12 and 13. The registration information about this is included in this week’s issue of In The Know.