4th Principle: A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning

In other words, “We search for what is true.”

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 4th Principle in Action

• The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) creates religious education curricula designed to support the needs of individuals at all stages of growth and faith maturity, including curricula for developing and deepening our faith and for age-appropriate sexuality education.
   
• The UUA website provides resources to promote and encourage the individual search for truth and meaning, including meditations and prayers, sermon podcasts, and links to spiritual fellowships within Unitarian Universalism.

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 Four (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 8 exemplifies our fourth Principle, teaching that while we have no creed, Unitarian Universalism has a common history that binds its members together and a faith heritage in the affirmation of each person's free search for truth and meaning.

Perspectives

• Reflection on the UU Fourth Principle by Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe
  “Responsible means that we take into account not just our worth and dignity, but that of all people.”

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.