UU Principles and Values

Note: Rev. “Twinkle” Marie Manning serves a variety of congregations, including ones in the traditional Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. If you were to trace which of the UU roots Twinkle’s practice resonates closest with, it would be the Universalist tradition of being filled with spirit and prophesy and being Called to gather the beloved community; and the fundamental Unitarian tenet of the human search for Truth and Meaning. 
The expressed Unitarian Universalist values and sources of faith below are in alignment with Twinkle’s interfaith ministry. Spiritual and religious exploration at Twinkle’s Place and during Twinkle’s retreats have many gateways and avenues. For a glimpse at some philosophies and resources, click within the pages of this website, most especially Twinkle’s sermons.

Unitarian Universalist Vision:

“We Unitarian Universalists (UUs) envision a life filled with compassion for all, shared in beloved community, and lived in a just world. We commit ourselves to pursuing this vision faithfully, passionately, and humbly. We invite all who share our vision to join us in this spiritual journey.”

(Created through the Gathered Here process, 2012)

https://www.uua.org/purpose/vision

uu chalice

There are Seven Guiding UU Principles:

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person (alt: every being);
  • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

This living tradition draws wisdom and faith from many sources:

  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
  • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
  • Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
  • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The Unitarian Universalist Association devotes its resources to and exercises its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes, and to the implementation of its Principles.

For more information, visit:

http://www.uuworld.org/spirit/articles/3644.shtml

http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/3643.shtml

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions as answered by European Unitarians:
https://www.unitarian.org.uk/pages/frequently-asked-questions-faq

PDF – What the Canadian Unitarian Council Wishes People Knew About Unitarian Universalism!

https://cuc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/What-We-Wish-People-Knew-About-Unitarian-Universalism-v4.pdf

Summary:

Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith tradition that encourages each individual to develop a personal faith. It draws from many different religions, in the belief that no one religion has all the answers and that most have something to teach us. The ultimate determination of what is sacred is found for each of us by our own direct experience.
UUs believe religion is an ongoing search for meaning, purpose, value and spiritual depth in one’s life and that individuals have the responsibility to search for and form their own beliefs.  UUs believe in an inner harmony that will lead to ethical action.
Above summary paraphrased from: http://www.uucpa.org/visitors/beliefs.html
UUSCM ministries live into this unique and diverse faith tradition!
VIDEO:
Additional information on various Spiritual Philosophies
and resources including and beyond UU.

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