Our Principles & Sources: A Living Tradition

Unitarian Universalism is a “covenantal” faith rather than a “creedal” one. This means we are defined not by a shared set of dogmas, but by the promises we make regarding how we will treat one another and the world.

As Rev. Barbara Wells ten Hove explains:

“The Principles are not dogma or doctrine, but rather a guide for those of us who choose to join and participate in Unitarian Universalist religious communities.”

The Eight Principles

We affirm and promote these eight Principles as our moral guides and strong values:

1. Worth & Dignity: The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
2. Justice & Equity: Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
3. Spiritual Growth: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth.
4. Truth & Meaning: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
5. Democracy: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process.
6. Global Community: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
7. The Interdependent Web: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
8. Beloved Community: A covenant to build a diverse, multicultural Beloved Community by accountably dismantling racism and other oppressions.

Our Six Sources of Wisdom

We don’t rely on a single book or prophet. Instead, we draw our “living tradition” from a diverse range of wisdom and spirituality:

• Direct Experience: The transcending mystery and wonder, felt in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit.
• Prophetic Words & Deeds: The examples of people throughout history who challenged structures of evil with the transforming power of love.
• World Religions: Wisdom from the world’s diverse faiths which inspires our ethical and spiritual lives.
• Jewish & Christian Teachings: Ancient traditions that call us to respond to love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
• Humanist Teachings: The guidance of reason and the results of science, warning us against the “idolatries of the mind.”
• Earth-Centered Traditions: Spiritualities that celebrate the sacred circle of life and teach us to live in harmony with nature.

Evolution of Our Faith

In 2024, the Unitarian Universalist Association voted to organize our shared faith around Six Core Values—Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Generosity, and Interdependence—with Love at the center.

While we continue to cherish our Principles and Sources, we embrace this evolution as part of our Living Tradition, ensuring our faith remains a relevant and powerful force for good in the Richmond area and beyond.