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Voices of a Liberal Faith |
Composed by members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, FL on March 16, 2008 I was recently asked about UUFG. I gave them our mission statement. I said ‘My congregation is a diverse religious community committed to lifelong spiritual growth and service to each other, our own community, and the earth. We are free to form our own religious theology, drawing on all the different religions of the world. We are learning and expanding our understanding of a variety of spiritual teachings, and it is a process that lasts a lifetime. It is a very special religious community that welcomes everyone.
I am proud to be a Unitarian Universalist, to be caring and considerate of all people, and to feel that everyone is equal, regardless of their spiritual beliefs.
We wanted a church where we could be a part of a loving and accepting community, a place where our spirits could thrive.
I am a child of God, on my way back home, trying to improve the landscape along my way. Recognizing that the whole garden does not belong to me, I am responsible only for the part of it that was assigned to me.
Unitarian Universalism is a religious group where human values are more important than doctrine.
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The Principles of Unitarian Universalism |
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We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: - The inherent dignity and worth 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; and
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
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The Sources of Unitarian Universalism |
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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. |
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