UUA PRINCIPLES AND PURPOSES

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• 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.

The living tradition we share draws 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.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association

The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.

The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.

Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by any society unless such is used as a creedal test.

These statements were adopted as Bylaws by the 1984 and 1985 General Assemblies of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

UUCB VISION STATEMENT

Adopted May 15, 1998
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley is a welcoming and vibrant congregation. We joyously support spiritual development guided by individual faith, reason, and conscience. We are committed to serving one another, our church, and the local and global communities. We foster a spirit of generosity and trust that encourages care for our church home, and affirms diversity and relationships consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles.

WELCOMING CONGREGATION

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley is a church that welcomes a diversity of people. We are intentionally welcoming to people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. We have completed the curriculum, "The Welcoming Congregation," to consciously examine homophobia, heterosexism and what it means for heterosexual people to be allies to people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, and we are an official Welcoming Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Welcoming Congregation/LGBT Committee at UUCB is the focal point for community building and social action for LGBTs and straight allies.   Unitarian Universalists actively honor the worth and dignity of all people. You are welcome in our community!

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See the Notable Unitarians page at the Harvard Square Library.

Some notable Unitarians and Universalists with connections to the UU Church of Berkeley: Dr. Raymond Cope, Malvina Reynolds, Bernard Maybeck, Aurelia Henry Reinhardt, Dr. Joseph Fabry, Dr. Richard Boeke.