3rd Principle: Acceptance of One Another and Encouragement to Spiritual Growth in Our Congregations

Unitarian Universalist congregations together affirm and promote seven Principles. We also share a “living tradition” of wisdom and spirituality, drawn from many sources. The seven Principles and six Sources of the Unitarian Universalist Association grew out of the grassroots of our communities, were affirmed democratically, and are part of who we are.

Reflection on the Third Principle

“Spiritual growth isn’t about a vertical ascent to heaven but about growth in every dimension at once. It’s spirituality in 3-D. Growth in spirit doesn’t measure one’s proximity to a God above, but rather the spaciousness of one’s own soul—its volume, its capacity, its size.

“We need souls that can take in the world in all its complexity and diversity, yet still maintain our integrity. And we need souls that can love and be in relationship with all of this complexity. Instead of fight or flight, we need a spiritual posture of embrace.”

—Rev. Rob Hardies, All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington, DC (read more from Rob in The Seven Principles in Word and Worship, ed. Ellen Brandenburg.

The Seven Principles in Word and Worship

By Ellen Brandenburg

From Skinner House Books

Essays by Sarah Lammert, Emily Gage, Robert Hardies, Paige Getty, Parisa Parsa, Sean Parker Dennison and Forrest Gilmore. Plus readings and worship materials on each Principle.

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Unitarian Universalist Principle #3

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