Where We’ve Been—-Where we are Going
This year, in small groups, publications, and Sunday services, we’ve engaged with the language that the larger Unitarian Universalist Association is proposing as we reassess beliefs and how they are communicated in our living tradition. As a replacement to the language of the “Six Sources” and the “Seven Principles” a multi-year process has resulted in seven values with covenantal statements for each one. The values are captured in the image to the right. Below is a list of where we’ve been as a fellowship on this exploration, where we are going, and the UUA proposed statement (if/then) related to each value:
In November, we explored “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.
In January, we explored “Liberating Love”
We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.
In February, we explored “Justice and Equity”
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 within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.
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.
In March, we will explore “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.
In April, we will explore “Interdependence”
We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility,
we acknowledge our place in it.
We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
Finally, in May, we’ll explore “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.
In June, at the UUA General Assembly, delegates from congregations and fellowships will vote on whether or not this language is adopted as the collective expression of Unitarian Universalism. If you are interested in being a delegate from CUUF, please contact your Board President, Beth Lowthian or Fellowship Assistant Adam Haecker for more information. For a full history of the process and the proposed changes (called the Article II Commission),
please visit: https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission/final-proposed-revision-article-ii? mc_cid=818141a563&mc_eid=86f894c4e6
One of the reasons for these revisions is because lists are always incomplete. Multiple amendments over the years have proposed additional sources and principles. The current language also didn’t lead individuals or fellowships into action, which is what the covenantal statements are intended to do. One way I think of the proposed language is that it provides an answer to my least favorite question: what is Unitarian Universalism? With the new language, I may say, “we are a diverse religious tradition with shared values, who work collectively to live out those values, changing systems and consciousness, and making change that would be impossible by working individually. This is what we believe in.”
In community,
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