Principles
Unitarian Universalist Shared Values
The current UUA covenant places Love at the centre of interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity and equity.
- Tradition or school
- Unitarian Universalism
- Framework type
- Principles
- Authority classification
- Denominational
- Observance
- Mixed requirements
- Research status
- Identified for research
- Origin period
- Adopted by the Unitarian Universalist Association in June 2024
- Origin region
- United States
- Attributed origin
- Article II of the UUA bylaws
- Intended audience
- Member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association
- Published constituent items
- 7
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Primary texts and authority
The current UUA covenant places Love at the centre of interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity and equity.
Rules, principles or steps
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Love
Use liberating love as the discipline connecting and guiding the other values.
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Interdependence
Honour the interdependent web of existence and repair damaged relationships.
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Pluralism
Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect.
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Justice
Build communities in which people can thrive and oppose systemic oppression.
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Transformation
Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences.
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Generosity
Share presence, resources and hope compassionately and sustainably.
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Equity
Build accessible communities in which every person can flourish with dignity.
Historical development
The framework replaced the earlier Seven Principles in the UUA bylaws after a multi-year review and General Assembly votes.
Variations
Unitarian Universalism has congregational polity; congregations and international bodies may retain earlier principles or other covenants.
Traditional interpretation
The current UUA covenant places Love at the centre of interdependence, pluralism, justice, transformation, generosity and equity.
Controversies and disputes
This is a covenant among UUA congregations rather than a creed every individual must affirm identically.
Truth By Reason analysis
The framework combines compassion, equality, inquiry and ecological responsibility. Broad values require accountable translation into conduct and room for good-faith disagreement.
Ethical themes
Sources
- UUA Article II — Purposes and Covenant Primary source