The Principles that Unite Us
An introduction to the Object of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches
A key principle of the Unitarian approach is the conviction that the search for truth and wholeness, developed through the spiritual life of the individual and the community, can best be pursued in an atmosphere of open enquiry. Freedom of belief and conscience have been cornerstones of our faith ever since the foundation of our earliest congregations.
Not surprisingly, this inclusive stance has caused outsiders to wonder what unites us. Critics have suggested that Unitarianism is a lax faith in which people can 'believe what they like'. To the contrary, Unitarians are free to believe only that which is consistent with their best understanding.
But are there values and principles which Unitarians hold in common? Increasingly, Unitarians have recognised a pressing need to articulate the shared values and principles which define them as a religious community.
A landmark event was the acceptance of the new General Assembly Object at the Unitarian Annual Meetings in April 2001. The Objects of the G.A. had undergone only small changes since its foundation in 1928. The wording had become outdated and had largely lost its usefulness, hence the decision to update these Objects.
The process of revision was a very lengthy one, including an extended hiatus of several years during which it was difficult to see any way forward. Yet every stage was conducted in a highly democratic and consultative manner leading, at long last, to an almost unanimous vote in favour.
The new Object is most emphatically not a creed. Complete agreement with the statement is not required of any individual or congregation. The Object should instead be understood as a guide to the purposes of the G.A. but, more than this, it is helping Unitarians articulate where they stand in facing the spiritual challenges of a new century.
The Object
Preamble
We, the constituent congregations. affiliated societies and individual members, uniting in a spirit of mutual sympathy, co-operation, tolerance and respect; and recognising the worth and dignity of all people and their freedom to believe as their consciences dictate; and believing that truth is best served where the mind and conscience are free, acknowledge that the Object of the Assembly is:
Object
To promote a free and inquiring religion through the worship of God and the celebration of life; the service of humanity and respect for all creation; and the upholding of the liberal Christian tradition.
To this end, the Assembly may:
Encourage and unite in fellowship bodies which uphold the religious liberty of their members, unconstrained by the imposition of creeds;
Affirm the liberal religious heritage and learn from the spiritual, cultural and intellectual insights of all humanity.
(there are two further technical clauses)
If you would like to think through the implications of the new G.A. Object in more detail, you may like to get hold of a copy of Building Our Identity. This is an adult religious education programme designed to help congregations or small groups discuss the significance of the Object. The programme can be run over five sessions, two sessions or in a single session. The material consists of readings, worship activities and opportunities for dialogue among the participants. Copies are on sale from Unitarian Headquarters.
Taken from a pamphlet circulated from Unitarian Headquarters, Essex Hall, 1-6 Essex Street, LONDON. WC2R 3HY. Tel: (020) 72402384 Fax: (020) 7240 3089 E-mail:ga@unitarian.org.uk Web: www.unitarian.org.uk.