Our seven principles

As Rev. Barbara Wells explains, “The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian spiritual communities.”

1st Principle: The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2nd Principle: Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7th Principle: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Our six sources

Unitarian communities draw from a variety of sources for our spiritual inspiration. We have identified six key sources that we affirm and promote, along with many other resources that inspire us on our spiritual path:

• Each person’s direct experience of the transcending mystery and wonder which uplifts our spirit and provides a direct knowing of wisdom.

• Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of wrong-doing with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;

• Wisdom from the different world 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 neighbours as ourselves;

• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science;

• Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmo