Bismarck Mandan Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes

WHO UU'S ARE

UU's are a group of people who, without making or accepting any claim to authority or exemption from Error, unite on a free basis for religious fellowship and Worship. They are organized in local congregations and A national denomination without attempting to apply Limits to the varieties of opinions under practice which May exist among them.

In this spirit they are able to join Honestly and profitably in common worship which is Usually based upon a liberal and modern Christian Theism, derived from the personal religion of Jesus, Inherited through the traditions of the historic Churches, And open to whatever light can be obtained From other Religious traditions, from rational thought and from the Experience and ideas of our own day.

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

The inherent worth and dignity 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;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part;

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.