Our Guiding Principles
Vision
We envision a world that recognizes our interconnectedness as solely one part of the web of all existence that transcends time and space.
Mission
Our Mission is to spread the good news of Unitarian Universalism that celebrates the oneness of everything and universal salvation of all life in this life and the next by equipping individuals, small communities, and congregations with the resources they need to do transformational spiritual work.
Values
As Unitarian Universalists, we are inspired by sacred and secular understandings that help us live into our values. We respect the histories, contexts, and cultures in which they were created and are currently practiced. These sources ground us and sustain us in ordinary, difficult, and joyous times. Grateful for the religious ancestries we inherit and the diversity which enriches our faith, we are called to ever deepen and expand our wisdom. Therefore, we hold a spirit that love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. Inseparable from one another, these shared values are:
- Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence.
- Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology.
- Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive.
- Transformation. We adapt to the changing world.
- Generosity. We cultivate a spirit of gratitude and hope.
- Equity. We declare that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with inherent dignity, love and compassion.
Focus
Building on the model of liberation theology, BridgesUU is focused on centering the marginalized among us. BridgesUU aims to give voice to those who have been historically marginalized and/or silenced because of their gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, age, or economic status. BridgesUU will be prioritizing services to children, youth, and young adults who are members of any of these marginalized communities.
Covenant
We are accountable to one another through the spiritual discipline of Love. We draw from our collective heritage of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love and covenant to:
- cherish the Earth and all beings by creating and nurturing relationships of care and respect,
- learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning,
- dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression,
- collectively transform and grow spiritually and ethically,
- freely and compassionately share our faith, presence, and resources, and
- use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.