by Rev. Rob Keithan

Articulating common beliefs has often been a challenge for Unitarian Universalism. With such respect for freedom of belief and conscience, it’s impossible to agree on language that resonates equally with everyone. And yet, it’s very difficult to sustain a congregation or a denomination without some clarity on what we believe.

The current Seven Principles were adopted in 1985. To these, more than 230 congregations—including All Souls—have an added an Eighth, which articulates our commitment to building Beloved Community “by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” These seven or eight principles represent our most concise and widely shared understanding of Unitarian Universalism. And they are almost certainly about to change.

These Principles served us well enough for many years, but over time more questions and critiques developed about how relevant they were for Unitarian Universalism today. Eventually, a critical mass developed, and the UUA Board convened a study commission to conduct research and propose new language. Paula Cole Jones, the primary driver of the 8^th Principle nationwide and a longtime leader at All Souls, served on what is officially known as the Article II Study Commission. The group takes their title from the section of the bylaws where this important text is found.

After more than a year of study that included receiving comments from more than 10,000 Unitarian Universalists, the Article II Study Commission recommended a new approach, grounded in both values and action. It names six core values, with love at the center of them all. Each of these values is accompanied by a short, two-part description that (1) defines what we mean by that word, and (2) clearly states how we commit to carrying it out. The full proposed wording is included at the end of this piece.

The process of amending Article II requires a vote by two different General Assemblies. It was approved by the 2023 General Assembly with 86% support, and comes to General Assembly 2024 (which is all virtual from June 20-23) for a second and likely final vote. Final passage requires a 2/3rds majority.

As we approach this significant decision, I am reminded of one of the most influential sermons in our early religious history. Entitled “The Transient and Permanent in Christianity,” it was delivered by Rev. Theodore Parker in 1841.  It was considered extremely radical at the time—and would likely still be in many circles today—for arguing that the most important aspects of the Bible and Christianity were the values it expressed; not the particular details of Jesus life or death. It was a call to focus on ethics and behavior rather than belief.

For nearly 40 years, the Principles have represented Unitarian Universalism. And yet, they are not permanent. I believe this is a time for both/and thinking. There are aspects of the principles that I will miss. I’m quite certain that I’ll still be referencing “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” for the rest of my life. I also agree that they need to change. The current principles say nothing about love, which I believe that Article II rightly identifies as the center of our faith. And our affirmation of individual reason and conscience needs to be understood in the context of both community and ethical responsibility.

The proposed new language is entirely consistent with how All Souls understands our mission and calling to build Beloved Community. This is not surprising, given how much Paula Cole Jones has been a visionary leader at All Souls and throughout the entire Association. Rather than something added on by some congregations though an optional vote, the language and commitments of the 8^th Principle will now be fully included in the bylaws of the entire Association.

With any change like this, there are people who are opposed for a variety of reasons. Ours is a democratic faith, and respectful disagreement is an important part of our tradition. Unfortunately, there are also opponents of the new language engaging in personal attacks of denominational leaders and acting in other ways that are out of covenant. Both the existing Principles and proposed new values specifically call us to treat each other—and all people—with care. The vast majority of people expressing opinions about the proposed language have done so in ways that uphold connection and community even amidst of disagreement. There was a lengthy and spiritually grounded debate at last year’s General Assembly about the proposal, with some amendments approved and some not. I fully expect the same at this year’s General Assembly.  Our recent All Souls Annual Meeting was a similar example of our faith in action. It might be uncomfortable, and it might take a long time, but we can do it. Indeed, I would argue that we must. This form of democratic governance is more than just a routine business process, it’s a spiritual practice. And like many spiritual practices, there is a discipline to it. In a culture where hierarchy and domination pervade everything we do, it’s a radical act to create spaces and processes that allow everyone to participate.

Anyone interested in the business portions of General Assembly this year can register for those alone for a donation of any amount. The final agenda includes all the proposals being considered and a schedule.

Proposed New Language for Article II Section C-2.2. Values and Covenant

As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries. We draw from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love.

Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.

Inseparable from one another, these shared values are: