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OUR PRINCIPLES

As Unitarian Universalists, we do not have a creed: there is no dogma. Instead, we covenant together to affirm and promote our seven principles, which form the foundation of our faith, in which we are challenged to explore and grow:

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.

Our faith proudly 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.

These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.

As a congregation, we also have our own mission statement, which reads as follows:

"The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie is a community that values diversity, peace, democracy and the interdependent web of all existence. The Fellowship nurtures and challenges its members in their religious journeys, and advocates for social justice in the larger community. We are engaged in worship, study, public service, fellowship and social action."

Reflecting on our commitment to the principles and to our mission statement, at a corporate meeting in January 2010, the Fellowship became the first Unitarian Universalist congregation in the country to adopt the UUA Commission on Appraisal's suggested "Inclusion" language in their bylaws. This text was designed to replace traditional non-discrimination language with more proactive and positive wording.

Here is the adopted text:

"Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be a congregation that truly welcomes all persons and commits to structuring congregational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone’s participation."

To learn more about UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM, please visit the Unitarian Universalist Association website by clicking here.