Understanding the revised UUA Article II

By Melanie Kitchner, Denominational Affairs Committee

The UUA Article II Study Commission was charged by the UUA Board to review Article II of the UUA Bylaws. This section of the bylaws is better known as the home of the Principles, Purposes, and Sources. Such a review occurs every fifteen (15) years as a practice of our living faith, to ensure that our guiding theological documents thoughtfully and clearly articulate the heart of Unitarian Universalism.

 

Key to this effort is—in the words of the UUA Board—for the Commission to “seek to engage the active participation of UUs across all demographics, identities, and theological/philosophical beliefs.” This program is one of the many ways the Commission hopes to connect with a wide range of UUs. These materials (and others, available online at http://uua.org/a2sc) are available for anyone to use, free of charge or commitment, though, ideally, participants will offer their input and suggestions, informed by the work they do in this program.

The UUA Board believes that one core theological value, shared widely among UUs, is love. Each arm of the new logo is a different color and clockwise they are: Interdependence (Orange), Equity (Red), Transformation (Purple), Pluralism (Dark Blue), Generosity (Teal), and Justice (Yellow).

Interdependence (Orange)

We honor the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. With humility and reverence, we covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation, creating and nurturing sustainable relationships of repair, mutuality, and justice.

Pluralism (Dark Blue)

We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.

Justice (Yellow) We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations and the society at large.

Transformation (Purple)

We adapt to the changing world. We covenant to collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically. Openness to change is fundamental to our Unitarian and Universalist heritages, never complete and never perfect.

Generosity (Teal)

We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope. We covenant to freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources. Our generosity connects us to one another in relationships of interdependence and mutuality.

Equity (Red)

We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.