UU Principles, Sources & UUCA Vision & Purpose
Principles which form, shape and guide us.
Unitarian Universalist Principles
In 1985, Unitarian Universalists adopted what’s known as “The 7 Principles.” They describe the values which support our faith. More recently, many congregations have added an 8th Principle which links our anti-racist and anti-oppression commitments to our foundational principles. UUCA adopted the 8th Principle resolution in April 2018 as a way to embed the anti-racist and anti-oppressive work in all we do.
What We Believe…What Supports and Sustains Us
The Seven Principles
of Unitarian Universalism
1. The inherent WORTH and DIGNITY of every being
2. JUSTICE, EQUITY and COMPASSION in human relations
3. ACCEPTANCE of one another and encouragement of
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
4. A free and responsible search for TRUTH and MEANING
5. The right of CONSCIENCE and the use of the
DEMOCRATIC process
6. The goal of world community with PEACE, LIBERTY,
and JUSTICE for all
7. RESPECT for the INTERDEPENDENT WEB
of all existence of which we are a part.
8. To journey toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural BELOVED COMMUNITY by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
The Sources of Unitarian Universalism
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. These are the six sources our congregations affirm and promote:
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.
UUCA – Statement of Purpose
The Purpose of the UUCA is
to inspire and empower all souls to lead
bold and compassionate lives.
UUCA Vision
At UUCA we value and aspire to:
Courageously seek authentic relationships across differences
- Move ourselves, our church, and our Earth toward justice, wholeness, connection and love
- Engage in a lifelong journey of learning and spiritual growth
- Practice radical hospitality, acceptance and inclusivity
- Provide a haven for all beliefs and identities consistent with UUA’s Principles.
UUCA Safe Congregations Covenant
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis is a place of safety and integrity each person’s mind, body and spirit. We are a supportive and nurturing faith community, honoring and respecting the rich diversity of those gathered here. Recognizing that warmth, kindness and passion will shape us as a congregation of goodwill, generosity and presence, we covenant to affirm and promote:
- Honesty and authenticity in our relationships;
- Words that are supportive and caring, not belittling or demeaning;
- A welcoming and non-judgmental attitude;
- Respect for each person’s boundaries of mind, body and spirit;
- Listening to one another.
As we continue on our spiritual paths, honoring the gifts, blessings and commitments each person brings to our congregation, let us be gentle with each other, for we do not know what is in another person’s heart.