Minister’s Message
Dear Ones,
Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal religion. That means UUs don’t have to agree to the same set of beliefs (theology), but we do agree to live by a set of values that guide how we relate to each other and the world. In 2024, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) voted to adopt seven Shared Values that are now part of the UUA bylaws. The Shared Values are:
The UUA website describes them this way:
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. The values we share include all the following, which we hold as inseparable and deeply interconnected:
Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence. With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it. We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation. We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality, and justice. We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.
Pluralism. 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. 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, our Association, and society at large.
Transformation. 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. 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. We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.
This Spring, I have been offering a series of sermons that incorporate each of these values. So far, I have covered Pluralism and Love. Generosity is up next, on April 26. The series will continue through June 14.
Why look at the Shared Values now? Because at NVUU’s annual congregational meeting on June 14, the congregation will vote on whether to incorporate the Shared Values into NVUU’s bylaws. At the UUA level, the Shared Values replaced the UU Principles as part of a revision of Article II, Purposes and Covenant. The proposed NVUU bylaws change would add the Shared Values while keeping the UU Principles and adding the Eighth Principle, which the congregation adopted in 2023. You can see the proposed changes HERE.
The Board will hold a discussion of these proposed changes after the service on May 17th.
Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition, which means it changes with the times. These Shared Values offer a new way of framing our faith within our congregations and in the world. I look forward to exploring with you what it means to live with these values as individuals and as a congregation.
In faith,
Susan
