Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal faith community. That means we don't recite a set of beliefs that everyone has to accept to be a member. What brings us together is the promise to treat each other individually, in our larger communities and in the world based on seven principles that are shown below. Our Covenant of Right Relations describes how UUs of Clearwater aspire to act on those principles. The covenant is a set of guidelines to help us achieve our shared Vision, which is to be an inclusive religious community, a beacon for reason, meaning and bold social action. The intent of this covenant is to promote a respectful, meaningful, nurturing community while reducing misunderstanding and conflict.

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A covenant of right relations represents the promises we make about how we want to treat each other and serve the wider community. It is a set of guidelines to help us achieve our shared Vision of being an inclusive religious community, a beacon for reason, meaning and bold social action. The intent of this covenant is to promote a respectful, meaningful, nurturing community while reducing misunderstanding and conflict.

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We, Members, Friends and Staff of the Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, aspire to abide by this covenant of right relations to create a beloved community informed by our UU Principles, inspired by our practice of loving-kindness and sustained by our friendships.

 

We build and serve our community with love and compassion developing meaningful, respectful relationships. We share our joys and concerns. We gladly broaden our circle of friends to include and welcome newcomers.

 

We come together in peace, sharing the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all. We cherish our children as our future, promote our youth and honor the elders for the foundations they have built.

 

We are supportive of one another’s self-development and spiritual growth, acknowledging that each person has a unique path and truth.

 

We are kind and considerate and we express loving gratitude. We speak kindly of all, especially of those who are not present.

 

We speak with care, listen appreciatively to each other, and assume others speak with good intentions. We help each other see possibilities inherent in viewpoints other than our own, truly welcoming and respecting the insights of others.

 

We are generous with our time, talents and treasures to encourage, include and inspire one another. We give help and comfort to friends and strangers in need.

 

We honor and uphold confidentiality and maintain healthy boundaries with each other. We are nonjudgmental, opening our hearts and minds to promote empathy and understanding.

 

We find ways to express and resolve our conflicts and misunderstandings. We speak directly and privately to those involved, listen with an open mind, make amends and practice apology and forgiveness. We engage in UUC’s reconciliation practices as necessary.

 

We recognize this covenant as a living document and know we may review and adapt it to fit our changing needs and situations as we work together for justice, compassion and peace for all.

 

Practical Expression of the Values in our Covenant

 

As members of a spiritual community, our covenant encourages us to grow into the ideal of loving-kindness towards one another.

 

The practical values illustrated below can help us to anchor the aspirational ideals of our covenant firmly to our everyday lives through intentional practice.

 

We invite you to explore these shared values as possible sources of meaning, guidance, and inspiration.

 

Generosity

Help one another in need.

Serve the community with good humor.

Share financial responsibility for our good works.

Listening

First seek to understand.

Hear what is said; and listen to what is unsaid.

Treat information confidentially.

 

Engagement

Appreciate others for who they are; thank them for what they do.

Focus on the good and the positive in our community.

Participate in our activities and celebrations.

 

Acceptance

Disagree respectfully.

Avoid gossiping, blaming and shaming.

Withhold unsolicited advice.

 

Inclusiveness

Welcome newcomers with open arms.

Be open to, and learn from, all voices

 – theological, social, and political.

Seek common ground. Create a ‘yes/and’ culture.

 

Integrity

Be true to our word, do what we say we’ll do.

Act with civility, humility and forgiveness.