Putting Valued Principles into Daily Action

On November 8, 2015 I became a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry (UUCL). I have been familiar with Unitarian Universalism (UU) since the 1990’s when I attended the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah as a regular guest. I moved away from Savannah, got divorced, got remarried, had a baby, started a business, and only occasionally popped into UUCL for special events.

When our daughter went away to boarding school last Fall I saw it as an opportune & intentional time to immerse myself deeper in my spiritual life & practice, so three months after her departure and after attending weekly services I became a member of UUCL. I was not raised going to church regularly so I have scant personal denominational history. My family would dip in and out of Episcopal churches for Christmas and Easter and I recall occasional Sunday School visits. My parents are both now practicing Catholics however the bulk of my religious education came from my college professors as I studied for my degree in Art History. The bulk of Medieval and Renaissance art depicts individuals, scenes, and stories from the Christian bible.

When I first discovered UU, introduced to me by a Savannah friend, I was taken by the relaxed nature of the service. People were dressed in every day clothes, the services were conducted by various multiple participants, the hymns were cheerful, children were integral members of the service, and I immediately felt welcomed, included, comfortable, and relaxed. It felt more like summer camp than a job interview.

Since my first exposure to UU many years ago I have come to better understand the seven UU principles that guide the organization. Even for someone who did not grow up attending regular religious services in my youth, just being an American in a predominantly Christian culture, I have had to discern and dissect my inoculated beliefs and rebuild my personal beliefs. UU has helped me do this and I continue to explore and practice my core beliefs and those I have covenanted with my beloved UU community.

Unitarian Universalism does not have a book or a creed. There are no commandments. There is no talk of heaven, hell, or sin. Historically Unitarian Universalists (UUs) have been instrumental in the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, the civil rights movement, the gay rights movement, and the fight for economic and environmental justice. I believe it is the UU commitment to social causes that appeals to me so much because it is a direct and tangible way to put my beliefs into action for the betterment of my community and our world. UU isn’t just about theory, it’s also about action. In other words: deeds, not creeds.

UU is a liberal practice that includes and invites all people from any denominational background, sexual orientation, country of origin, ability, appearance, or current belief system. Rather than a common theology, UUs are bound by common history, affirmation of each person’s spiritual quest, and the promises made to one another about the spiritual values we share and uphold. We pledge and promise to build beloved and respectful community with one another. UUs believe that we don’t have to live alike to love alike.

There are seven Unitarian Universalism Principles that guide us in our quest. It is stated: We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

2. Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;

3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;

4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;

5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Personally I take these principles seriously and aim to live them in my daily life. I strive to respect all people though we may have disagreements in beliefs, actions, or words. Separating the individual person from individual behavior is critical in my ability to accept everyone. The underlying component of each of the principles for me is compassion: treating each other with respect, care, and consideration whether we agree or disagree in our ideals or perspectives.

I am committed to protesting injustice through my vote, my actions, and my consumption. Whether I become a Black Lives Matter ally, stand by my immigrant & refugee neighbors to defend their right to live in America, march for sensible gun laws, promote veganism for individual health freedom, abolition of oppression, and environmental conservation, or campaign for politicians who seek universal healthcare, living wages, clean energy & fuel, and free public college, I feel that I am putting the spiritual investment of my principles and values into action in the world to help manifest change for the common good.

The First Principle Project is a UU campaign to change the first UU principle from “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” to “the inherent worth and dignity of every being.” As a vegan I am delighted to support this campaign and help Unitarian Universalism evolve by becoming less human-centric and more inclusive of all living beings with whom we share this magnificent Earth home. All great social change happens when those in power realize the commonality they share with the oppressed and therefore can no longer be the source for the suffering of others. Non-human animals and humans have far more in common than differences and more of us are realizing that we need to do a better job sharing this planet with wild animals, providing sanctuary for domesticated animals, and consuming fewer farmed animals. All sentient animals are equally magnificent and deserve respect from humans. Breeding, abusing, enslaving, and slaughtering animals for the sole purpose of taste pleasure is not in alignment with the UU principles of compassion, justice, equity, or standing on the side of love.

I am thankful for my congregation (no more a church then it is a temple or synagogue) and my fellow congregants. I want you to hold me to the UU principles that we value together and challenge me to practice them more deeply every single day.

Additional Resources

• Why Fourth-Wave Feminists Are Vegan
• What Any Social Justice Activist’s Lunchbox Must Contain
• 21 Previously Unknown Reasons Why The World Needs You to Eat Vegan Today (And It Has Nothing To Do With The Animals)!
• Getting Started on a Low Fat, Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet