The Six Principles (1961)
The original Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association, as approved when the Unitarian and Universalist denominations consolidated in 1961.
1. To strengthen one another in a free and disciplined search for truth as the foundation of our religious fellowship;
2. To cherish and spread the universal truths taught by the great prophets and teachers of humanity in every age and tradition, immemorially summarized in the Judeo-Christian heritage as love to God and love to man;
3. To affirm, defend and promote the supreme worth of every human personality, the dignity of man, and the use of the democratic method in human relationships;
4. To implement our vision of one world by striving for a world community founded on ideals of brotherhood, justice and peace;
5. To serve the needs of member churches and fellowships, to organize new churches and fellowships, and to extend and strengthen liberal religion;
6. To encourage cooperation with men of good will in every land.
The UUA revised these Principles in 1985. The revised statement, which serves as the covenant of the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, includes seven Principles, six “Sources of the Living Tradition,” and a statement of the Association’s Purposes. In compliance with a bylaw requirement that the Principles be reviewed at least every 15 years, the Commission on Appraisal announced in April 2006 that it would begin a denomination-wide review process. See links in sidebar for additional resources.
