Beliefs
Guiding Principles and Sources
We covenant to affirm and promote:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of Conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
and Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
The living tradition we share and the tapestry of sources upon which we draw for our communal and personal religious life emerges from:
Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.
Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.
Mission statement of the Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
We, the members and friends of the Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, join to declare the following purposes:
To affirm the principles and purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association;
To create a loving fellowship, caring for each other across generations and through joys, sorrows, and concerns;
To inspire and nurture personal growth for all ages in their search for meaning and a loving, joyful life;
To be an open community, practicing tolerance and respect for diversity;
To encourage ethical action in both individuals and the Fellowship as a whole, by supporting responsible beliefs and values, and by fostering commitment and courage, in service to our larger communities;
To grow creatively toward greater truth and beauty, while respecting the value of tradition;
To deepen our love of the earth and our understanding of interdependence.
Vision statement of the Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
March 2, 2003.
Honoring our first half-century as a vital force for liberal religion,
recognizing firm commitment to our mission,
looking forward to a meaningful future in the 21st century,
we, the Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship,
commit ourselves to the following vision:
DENTON UNITARIAN-UNIVERSALISTS 2010
An energetic, enthusiastic presence in the community
Living our principles publicly
Working for social and environmental justice
Exemplifying diversity and respect
Fostering outreach
A strong, loving congregation at home
Implementing lifespan religious education
Maintaining our infrastructure through broad participation
Meeting the growing desire for spirituality
Practicing effective communication
Developing affinity and covenant groups
Creating fellowship through fun and caring for one another
A growing organization, welcoming change gracefully and purposefully
Increasing support of religious education professionals
Securing and sustaining full-time ministry
Expanding administrative support
Providing more space as needed
Endorsing a strategic plan, with periodic review and accountability
Non-Discrimination
Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship declares and affirms its special responsibility, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its activities and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, language, citizenship status, economic status, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.
Freedom of Belief
Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by the congregation unless such is used as a creedal test.
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