Item 3 in Unitarian Universalist Shared Values

Pluralism

Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect.

Position
3
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Last reviewed
28 June 2027

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Pluralism

Original term: Pluralism

Transliteration: Pluralism

Source wording

<p>Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect.

Broader interpretation

Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Unitarian Universalist Shared Values and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect.

Ethical purpose

Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect.

Exceptions and disputes

This is a covenant among UUA congregations rather than a creed every individual must affirm identically.

Variations across schools or traditions

Unitarian Universalism has congregational polity; congregations and international bodies may retain earlier principles or other covenants.

Modern application

Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

This is a covenant among UUA congregations rather than a creed every individual must affirm identically.

Truth By Reason analysis

Learn across differences with curiosity, freedom of conscience and respect. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

  • Freedom
  • Truth-seeking

Sources