Our defining principle

Individualism isn't Unitarian Universalism's only principle.
By Fredric Muir
Winter 2012 11.1.12

The inherent worth and dignity of the individual is not just our First Principle as Unitarian Universalists: often it is our defining principle. But we frequently overlook another strand of our tradition in our Association’s Principles and Purposes, another story about ourselves that can deepen and grow our future. It is not the language of individualism . . . but of covenant: “As free congregations we . . . promis[e] to one another our mutual trust and support.”

From Fredric Muir’s address “From iChurch to Beloved Community: Ecclesiology and Justice,” the 2012 Berry Street Lecture. An abridged version appears in this issue as “The End of iChurch” (pages 26–29).

This article appeared in the Winter 2012 issue of UU World (“The Last Word,” page 72). See sidebar for links to related resources.