Item 5 in Unitarian Universalist Shared Values

Transformation

Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences.

Position
5
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: Transformation

Original term: Transformation

Transliteration: Transformation

Source wording

<p>Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences.

Broader interpretation

Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences.

Historical context

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

Practical meaning

Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences.

Ethical purpose

Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences.

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

Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences. 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

Remain open to ethical, spiritual and institutional change tested by consequences. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

  • Wisdom
  • Truth-seeking

Sources