Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Mendocino Coast Beliefs

Our Purpose: "The purpose of our Fellowship is to further individual freedom of belief and to grow in understanding of and concern for ourselves, our community, and our universe."

We Unitarian Universalists believe that creating a rich, spiritual life is our most important life accomplishment. We create that spiritual life following these three guidelines:

• Being seekers of truth. Truth is never 'fully revealed.' As we live our lives, we challenge ourselves to always question and explore. A dynamic life will likely include having beliefs that constantly change and grow throughout one's years.
  
  
• Growing in the ability to give and receive love - to oneself, our loved ones, the community, and the world. This is also a 'never-completed' life endeavor.
  
  
• Being of service. Each person should determine in what areas and with what means his/her life can be lived to most benefit others - those close to us, those we'll never meet, and those who will follow us after our passing.

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion. Generally, we do not consider ourselves a Christian religion, although we espouse many of the Judeo-Christian teachings and beliefs.

Unitarian Universalists do not have a single creed. Our symbol is the flaming chalice, not a cross. Like all symbols, it has many meanings: The flame of truth. The light of reason. The single candle you light instead of cursing the darkness. The chalice symbolizes sharing. Although we do not think alike, we all agree that the quest for spiritual truth is easier if you have friends to share the journey.

The Unitarian Universalist Association, our national organization, adapted these Principles and Purposes at the 1984, 1985 and 1995 General assemblies:

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

• The inherent dignity and worth 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 which 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.
  
  

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