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UU Beliefs
We are a very diverse group of people theologically. We do not require
adherence to a creed or dogma. UU's can be Christians, Jews, Buddhists,
Atheists, Humanists, Pagans, etc. Often you will find an eclectic mix of
many spiritual beliefs. What we have in common is a yearning for spiritual
exploration, and a desire for a spiritual community.
We affirm these beliefs in our services:
We 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.
The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association
The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and
exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian
purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of
its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen
Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.
The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that
of its member societies and organizations, to promote the full participation
of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human
endeavor without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or
sexual orientation, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence
to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious
belief or creed.
Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of
belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to
conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by
any society unless such is used as a creedal test.
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Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley
