After our Worship Associates Workshop last Saturday, I revised our “sample program” on the web page to reflect what workshop participants decided was a good standard for our services. I would like to hear your opinions about what should go on the back cover. Jan and I have seen the 7 UU Principles on the back of many churches’ order of service. We currently have an explanation of UUism which reflects several of the principles, but is simpler and less formal.

Our current Order of Service shows this on the back:

- Unitarian Universalism is a religion which honors the great teachers and prophets of every age and tradition, yet searches for new expressions of goodness, truth and meaning.

- We are bonded together by our belief in the supreme worth and dignity of each person.

- We strive for justice, equality and compassion in all human relationships.

- We cherish the acceptance of one another and encourage spiritual growth in our congregations.

- We promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Jan’s Order of Service has the following on the back:

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to honor and uphold:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
• Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth;
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
• The right of conscience and the use of democratic processes;
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
• Reverence for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The flaming chalice has become a symbol of our denomination.  The flame and the chalice were brought together by an Austrian artist, Hans Deutsch, in 1941.

(For further information: www.uua.org)

We could fit the following shortened version on the back of our program easily:

There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:

• • The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  • Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth;
  • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  • The right of conscience and the use of democratic processes;
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  • Reverence for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

(For further information: www.uua.org)

Note that Jan’s wording has “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to honor and uphold” while the above sample includes “There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote” – Which of these phrases would our congregation prefer? My hunch is that people don’t want to use the word “covenant”.

Which list would you like on the back of the order of service, the 7 principles, or the simple explanation of our beliefs?

Here are some comments I have recieved through the UUCortland-L email list (with no naming of the authors):

“I prefer the 7 principles.”

“I’ve seen these 2 sets of wording alternated over the course of time.  The first wording contains only 5 bullets which creates a question; where are the other 2 principles? Or aren’t these the 7 Principles?  Then, what are they?”

“I like the latter [7 principles] text.  Plus, it gets rid of that pesky word “religion” which to me implies dogma.”

“I like the first [our current wording] — it seems more personal and accessible.”

“The seven principles.”

Please add your comments below, by clicking on the Comments link. Thanks!

—Julia Schult