Mission Statement
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, a liberal, welcoming congregation, transforms lives and our world by developing strong hearts and minds, challenging injustice, promoting sustainability, and celebrating diversity.
Our Covenant
We are a people of faith and hope.
Together we covenant:
To strive to become our better selves;
To honor both the critical mind and the generous heart;
To prove that diversity need not mean divisiveness;
And to respond to systems of violence and oppression;
With the power of a love beyond belief.
Together we covenant:
To strive to become our better selves;
To honor both the critical mind and the generous heart;
To prove that diversity need not mean divisiveness;
And to respond to systems of violence and oppression;
With the power of a love beyond belief.
What is Unitarian Universalism?
Unitarian Universalism is a caring, open-minded religion that encourages seekers to find their own spiritual path. Our faith draws on many religious sources, welcoming people with different beliefs. We are united by shared values, not by creed or dogma. Our congregations are places where we gather to nurture our spirits and put our faith into action by helping to make our communities and the world a better place.
The UU Church of Spartanburg is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association. As such, we agree as a community to abide by the UUA:
The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
- The inherent dignity and worth 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
The living tradition which we share 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
- Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations, we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.
Congregational Behavioral Covenant
As members of this faith community, we recognize the importance of creating a safe environment that values the diversity of opinion which supports examined life journeys. Therefore, we, members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, covenant to:
- Respect one another.
- Use “I” statements to ensure we speak only for ourselves.
- Intentionally allot the time needed to explore multiple sides of an issue.
- Actively and carefully listen to each other.
- Communicate freely, openly, and truthfully, agreeing to disagree when necessary.
- Seek clarification when needed.
- Provide everyone an equal opportunity to express ideas.
- Limit disagreements to the individuals or groups directly involved.
- Address issues and behaviors, rather than people and personalities.
- Keep problems in perspective as we pursue common goals.
- Work to manage conflict as it arises.
- Affirm and promote the seven Unitarian Universalist principles
