Unitarian Universalism affirms and promotes the following principles:
- 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;
- The 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.
These principles were first affirmed by member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association at its 1984 annual meeting. As free congregations, we enter into this covenant to one another based on our mutual trust and support. In 2021, Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation adopted an additional principle:
- Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
Grateful for the religious pluralism that enriches and ennobles our faith, Unitarian Universalism draws from six diverse 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 our faith are the backbone of our religious community. More information about Unitarian Universalism can be found on uua.org.
COVENANTAL FAITH
Unitarian Universalism is a covenantal faith. We do not all have to believe the same thing so part of what unites us in community is our covenant (a commitment or, agreement) to support each other on our unique, individual journeys. Our congregation has a community covenant, and at the beginning of each year, individual classes and the youth group create their small-group covenants. This process is an opportunity to listen to what each person needs in that space, and from each other, so they can continue learning and growing. These agreements are recorded and posted, so they are available as a resource throughout the year to remind us of the promises we made to each other when challenges arise.
In addition, the Religious Exploration ministry at CUUC strives to create thoughtful communication and connections, in a climate that promotes and affirms the values of our eight UU Principles and supports CUUC’s mission. The ultimate objective is for each adult, youth, and child to experience a positive and rewarding learning experience.
Initiatives
With these values, our congregation supports many larger national movements as well as local initiatives.
Welcoming Congregation
Being an LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation means that our members include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning people at all levels of congregational life – worship, programming, and social events. It also means that an understanding of the experiences and concerns of LGBTQ+ people is part of the fabric of our spiritual life, and so is the appreciation for their contributions to our society and culture.
We believe it is important to be welcoming not only to LGBTQ+ people, but to all people, including (and not limited to): people of different genders, gender identities, races, ethnicities, ages, and abilities, as well as sexual orientations.
More “Welcoming Congregation” InfoSide with Love
Unitarian Universalists affirm unconditional, universal love as a foundation and grounding for our actions in the world. We strive to be of service to our communities and advocate for change on local, state, national, and international levels.
Through the UUA Side with Love campaign, we amplify the voices of the oppressed through online media; we show up in partnership at justice events across the country; we lobby national leaders on reproductive rights, immigration reform, racial justice, equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people; religious freedom, and more; and above all we work to make love real in the world.
Black Lives Matter
CUUC believes that the racial profiling, police brutality, voting restrictions, and mass imprisonment of African Americans, and other people of color, in the United States is a moral outrage. We principally support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Social Justice Teams
The third part of CUUC’s mission statement is to “engage in service to transform ourselves and our world.” Our goal is for each Member and Friend to participate on one team. This is an invitation, not an obligation, to be involved as you are able and as your time allows. Which Social Justice Team resonates most powerfully with you? Our teams include:
- Democracy Matters/UU the Vote
- Environmental Practices
- Hunger and Homelessness
- LGBTQIA Justice
- Racial Justice / In the Spirit of Truth
- Refugee Resettlement
- Reproductive Rights
Our Mission
We covenant to:
Nurture each other in our spiritual journeys, foster compassion and understanding within and beyond our community, and engage in service to transform ourselves and our world.
Our Vision Statement
Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at White Plains will be a welcoming “sanctuary without walls” that promotes diversity, fellowship, spiritual growth, and inspiration, while committing to people and the planet through social action and service.
