2nd Principle: Justice, Equity and Compassion in Human Relations

In other words, “Be kind in all you do.”

As Unitarian Universalists we affirm and promote 7 Principles and the sources of faith from which they are drawn. They represent the backbone of the religious community in which we participate.

Examples of the 2nd Principle in Action

• The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) works with congregations to build an inclusive, empowering, and just faith community where those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ), economically oppressed, Latina/Latino/Hispanic, multiracial, people of color, and people with disabilities can feel welcome. Learn more about our work in Multicultural Growth and Witness.
   
• Standing on the Side of Love is a public advocacy campaign that seeks to stop oppression by elevating compassionate religious voices to influence public attitudes through community activism, social networking, and media outreach.

Worship

Chalica is a week-long celebration of our Unitarian Universalist Principles. Each day, a chalice is lit and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of that day’s principle and doing a good deed that honors that principle.

• The UU Congregation of Smithton offers an excellent selection of readings, songs, and discussion questions for each day of Chalica, and posted video of the same: Chalica Day Two (YouTube).

Curricula

• The Tapestry of Faith children’s curriculum Love Surrounds Us explores all the Principles in the context of Beloved Community of family/home, school, neighborhood. Session 4 introduces the second Principle, that all people should be treated fairly, and through this teach what it means to forgive.

Perspectives

• Reflection on the UU Second Principle by Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe
  “...it is a spiritual practice to commit and recommit ourselves to healing the world through our actions (justice), systems (equity), and hearts (compassion).”

Learn more about the Beliefs & Principles of Unitarian Universalism, or read our online magazine, UU World, for features on today's Unitarian Universalists. Visit an online UU church, or find a congregation near you.