This page contains our current Article II and UUA Study Commission’s current revised draft Article II Study Report
Present Article II Text
ARTICLE II Principles and Purposes
Section C-2.1. Principles.
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.
Section C-2.2. Purposes.
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.
Section C-2.3. Non-discrimination.
The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member
congregations 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, ethnicity, gender,
disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, language, citizenship status, economic status, or
national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to
any particular religious belief or creed.
Section C-2.4. Freedom of Belief.
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 congregation unless such is used as a creedal test.
Link to the Current Article II:
………………………………………………………
The Current PROPOSED REVISION
OF ARTICLE II
This is a proposed draft revised version of the Unitarian Universalist Association: Bylaws and Rules
Article II Purposes and Covenant as of 1-2023, an update from the version offered in September
This includes an introduction to the proposal, the bios of the Study Commission, The commission’s charge, the stakeholders. The Revised Article II document starts on page 19
https://www.uua.org/files/2023-01/a2sc_rpt_01172023.pdf
