We both conclude our summer series focused on the Unitarian Universalist (UU) Principles and look toward our September theme of Belonging by asking what our UU Principles ask of us day in and day out.
Come celebrate the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part in a joyful, earth-centered service that lifts up the seventh principle of Unitarian Universalism
This service is rooted in the 2nd UU Principle we’ve promised to affirm and promote, “Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.” As Rev. Emily Gage puts it, the 2nd Principle “points us toward something beyond “inherent worth and dignity.” It points us to the larger community. It gets at collective responsibility. It reminds us that treating people as human beings is not simply something we do one-on-one, but something that has systemic implications and can inform our entire cultural way of being.”
UU communities worldwide are in the process of formally adopting an 8th principle articulating a commitment to build diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions. Join us for a compassionate exploration of this principle from a personal, local and global standpoint with input from UUCM task force leadership, Reverend Kevin and our young leaders. Why is this important and how do we move forward as a community?
In today’s world our UUCM mission’s call to Courageous Love is not just a sentiment, but a call to action in keeping with the 5th Principle – We promote and affirm the right of conscience and use of the democratic process. Today’s service will highlight the courage of Margaret Chase Smith, a Republican from Maine who in 1950 risked her political future and answered the call of her conscience to stand up against Republican Senator Joe McCarthy of Wisconsin and his supporters, who were running roughshod over American democracy. Please join special guest Beth Rose and Worship Leader Gail Johnson Vaughan as we bring this story to life.
Between the January 6 insurrection, a red/blue divide in the U.S., a rise in authoritarian tendencies, and Russia’s war against Ukraine, a community, nation, or world of peace, liberty and justice all seem mighty far off. But as UUs, that’s what we’ve promised to affirm and promote in our lives. How in the world do we do that now?
The fourth principle calls for us to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. How do we do that when living in an era fraught with untruths? And how do we find spiritual meaning amidst the daily assault on reason? No doubt you have wondered the same. Join us as we explore this provocative topic together.
The third principle calls for the acceptance of one another and the encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. UUCM members have a rich array to ways we feed our spirits. Join us as members weave a tapestry in response to the question: “What feeds your spirit?”. Perhaps you will add a few dishes to your spiritual diet.
The first principle might just be the bedrock of UUism; it calls us to accept, way deep down, the inherent worth and dignity of every person. What does this look like when we put it into action? And how would people change if they knew we thought this of them? Join in while we explore this in story and song and. . . real life.
We launch our summer theme – asking what our Unitarian Universalist Principles ask of us – by asking what it means to be Unitarian Universalist in these times. And how and why does being UU matter? Freshly informed by the gatherings of UU Ministers and UU members from across the country just one week earlier, we’ll look ahead with principles and with purpose for the spiritual center of this tradition.
