If you’ve been hanging out with Unitarian Universalists lately, you may have heard some chat about “Article II.” It might sound abstract or dry, but Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association’s bylaws is about what it means to be UU: our sources, principles, values, and commitments. So no wonder it’s been on our minds! The Article II proposal has been a major project and we’re about to find out if it will pass during this year’s virtual General Assembly in June.

What do you think about the proposed shared values? Do they speak to your personal experience of being a Unitarian Universalist? Do they inspire you to visit us and learn more? Did you fall asleep the second you saw the word “bylaws”? That’s okay. But don’t hesitate to start a conversation with our minister and church members about UU principles. Perhaps with coffee in hand during post-worship fellowship!

From the Article II Proposal:

“As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. 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.

Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:

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.

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 within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.

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.”