Below, I’ve copied the text of the final draft Unitarian Universalist Principles & Purposes from Steve Caldwell’s Liberal Faith Development. He adds some commentary worth reading and I encourage a visit.
My principal concern with the document was the notorious misappropriation language which appeared in the first draft, was modified by the Commission itself following a time for responses and now further modified by the Board before they authorized it to come before the General Assembly this June. As far as I’m concerned the current language together with the history of how it came to be is sufficient to guard against anyone hoping to appeal to it in order to establish any misappropriation language in the minister’s ethical codes.
While I’ve heard it now described as packed with weasel words, in fact I think it speaks to the genuine concern at the heart of those who wanted misappropriation language – it is a call to caution and respect when encountering the faiths of the world. Which I believe, our magpie spiritual tradition needs to be called to as we go forward on our dynamic way.
The new language, thanks to Steve, is printed in blue below.
As there has indeed been ample opportunity for input (I certainly offered my opinions directly to all concerned parties every step of the way & I know many others did, as well) this draft is being presented to the General Assembly as is and may not be modified from the floor.
So, up or down.
While given my druthers I would not have had us review the Principles and Purposes at this time, I think the current document is on balance an improvement over the current P&Ps.
There is some controversy over whether we are establishing a creed. And I’ve seen it visited in the UU blogosphere. As the word “creed” is somewhat elastic, it is important to define what we mean when we use it. For Unitarian Universalists the concern is that any statement of belief that one must adhere to or one will not be admitted or if already a member not adhering to it will lead to one’s expulsion – never be established. While there have been creedal statements in our faith tradition’s histories, particularly on the Universalist side, within the modern Unitarian Universalist tradition there has been constant resistance to creeds and a constant watch for “creeping creedalism.” Sometimes this concern real, I have to admit the picture I posted with this blog entry makes the P&Ps look like a creed one might find posted in an orthodox church. I’ve also heard a tad too often appeals to the P&Ps to prove someones opinion is not UU. I’ve never, however, seen anyone expelled from any UU congregation for saying they don’t believe in the P&Ps. More often, frankly, I think this fear is perceived rather than substantive…
That said we have throughout our brief history as Unitarian Universalists, have made statements of common opinion. The point of such documents, as I read them, has always been descriptive rather than proscriptive.
These documents are attempts to describe what is commonly held among us at some given time or place. A snapshot of our generally held spiritual views.
The knock on our current Principles and Purposes and I’ve heard it applied to the various drafts of this new document is that they’re too general and that anyone and everyone can assent to them.
I respectfully suggest this is not true.
For me three of the points of the seven describe our living tradition at its best. And describe a creative theological tension which is exciting and dynamic. I believe the majority of us, and not a majority of adherents of most other spiritual traditions, affirm the amazing preciousness of the individual (principle one), but that the individual exists only within relationship (principle seven), and that we come to know what this actually means through our free and responsible search (principle four).
We don’t all do this. We don’t all believe this. And those of us who do, well, we fall short of this ideal all the time. Okay, I do…
But there is in fact a vital faith being described. And it is not generalized to meaninglessness.
It is life affirming, and it can be life saving.
So, in both its earlier version and in the proposed draft, the Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes describe something worthy.
So, I’m voting for it.
Proposed Revision of Article II
ARTICLE II: Covenant
Section C-2.1 Purposes.
This association of free yet interdependent congregations devotes its resources to and exercises its corporate powers for religious, educational, and humanitarian purposes. It supports the creation, vitality, and growth of congregations that aspire to live out the Unitarian Universalist Principles. Through public witness and advocacy, it advances the Principles in the world.
Section C 2.2. Sources.
Unitarian Universalism is rooted in two religious heritages. Both are grounded on thousands of years of Jewish and Christian teachings, traditions, and experiences. The Unitarian heritage has affirmed that we need not think alike to love alike and that God is one. The Universalist heritage has preached not hell but hope and courage, and the kindness and love of God. Contemporary Unitarian Universalists have reaped the benefits of a legacy of prophetic words and deeds.
Unitarian Universalism is not contained in any single book or creed. Its religious authority lies in the individual, nurtured and tested in the congregation and the wider world. As an evolving religion, it draws from the teachings, practices, and wisdom of the world’s religions. Humanism, earth-centered spiritual traditions, and Eastern religions have served as vital sources. Unitarian Universalism has been influenced by mysticism, theism, skepticism, naturalism, and process thought as well as feminist and liberation theologies. It is informed by direct experiences of mystery and wonder, beauty and joy. It is enriched by the creative power of the arts, the guidance of reason, and the lessons of the sciences.
Grateful for the traditions that have strengthened our own, we seek to engage cultural and religious practices in ways that call us into right relationship with all.
Section C-2.3 Principles.
Grateful for the gift of life, we commit ourselves as member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association to embody together the transforming power of love as we covenant to honor and uphold:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of democratic processes;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Reverence for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
As free yet interdependent congregations, we enter into this covenant, pledging to one another our mutual trust and support. Capable of both good and evil, at times we are in need of forgiveness and reconciliation. When we fall short of living up to this covenant, we will begin again in love, repair the relationship, and recommit to the promises we have made.
Section C-2.4 Inclusion.
Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be an association of congregations that truly welcome all persons and commit to structuring congregational and associational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone’s participation.
Section C-2.5 Freedom of Belief.
Congregational freedom is central to the Unitarian Universalist heritage.
Congregations may establish statements of purpose, covenants, and bonds of union so long as they do not require a statement of belief as a creedal test for membership; nor may the Association employ such a test for congregational affiliation.
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