We Believe in
the freedom of religious expression. All individuals should be
encouraged to develop their own personal theologies, and to present openly
their religious opinions without fear of censure or reprisal.
We Believe in the
toleration of religious ideas. All religions in every age and culture,
possess not only intrinsic merit but also potential value for those who have
learned the art of listening.
We Believe in the authority of
reason and conscience. The ultimate arbiter in religion is not church,
nor a document, nor an official but the personal choice and decision of the
individual.
We Believe In the never-ending
search for Truth. If the mind and heart are truly free and open, the
revelations that appear to the human spirit are infinitely numerous,
eternally fruitful, and wondrously exciting.
We Believe in the unity
of experience. There is no fundamental conflict between faith and knowledge,
religion and the world, the sacred and the secular, since they all have
their own source in the same equality.
We Believe
in the worth and dignity of each human being. All people on Earth
have an equal claim to life, liberty, and justice-and no idea, ideal, or
philosophy is superior to a single human life.
We Believe in the ethical
application of religion. Good works are the natural product of a good
faith, the evidence of an inner grace that finds completion in social and
community involvement.
We Believe in the motive
force of love. The governing principle in human relationships is the
principle of love, which always seeks the welfare of others and never seeks
to hurt or destroy.
We Believe in the necessity of
the democratic process. Records are open to scrutiny, elections are open to
members, and ideas are open to criticism-so that people might govern
themselves.
We Believe in the importance of
a religious community. The validation of experience requires the
conformation of peers, who provide a critical platform along with a network
of mutual support.
What Do Unitarian Universalists Believe?