UUA Bylaws, Article II Text

from the UUA Bylaws, as updated December 2020

Section C – 2.1. Principles

10 We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist 11 Association, covenant to affirm and promote 12 • The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 13 • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 14 • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth 15 in our congregations; 16 • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 17 • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process 18 within our congregations and in society at large; 19 • The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; 20 • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we 21 are a part.

22 The living tradition which we share draws from many sources: 23 • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, 24 affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit 25 and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life; 26 • Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to 27 confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion 28 and the transforming power of love; 29 • Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical 30 and spiritual life; 31 • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s 32 love by loving our neighbors as ourselves; 33 • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of 34 reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries 35 of the mind and spirit; 36 • Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate 37 the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the 38 rhythms of nature.

39 Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our 40 faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our 41 vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, 42 promising to one another our mutual trust and support. […]

50 Section C-2.3. Inclusion. 51 Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally 52 created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, 53 ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to replace such barriers 54 with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We 55 strive to be an association of congregations that truly welcome all 56 persons and commit to structuring congregational and associational 57 life in ways that empower and enhance everyone’s participation.

58 Section C-2.4. Freedom of Belief. 59 Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual 60 freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian 61 heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or 62 bond of union used by any congregation unless such is used as a 63 creedal test.

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