In June, 2020, as part of a mandated 15-year review, Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) appointed a Study Commission that was charged with revising Article II of our bylaws to assure that we are “living into the Unitarian Universalism of the future.”
The result was a proposal that eliminates the Principles, replacing them with Values and Covenant statements. The Sources are now Inspirations with no historical references, only “understandings.” Commitment to Individual Freedom of Belief is replaced by a reference to “congregational freedom.” Love, expressed as “the power that holds us together” is now the theological core of Unitarian Universalism, not freedom, tolerance, and reason.
These changes became permanent after they were voted on and passed at General Assembly in 2024.
See:
Former vs 2024 Language
A markup comparing the former text of UUA Article II bylaws with the 2024 changes.
Arguments For and Against the 2023 Revision
Written in July, 2023, this is an even-handed, introductory discussion of the proposed rewrite of Article 2, summarizing the primary arguments both for and against the changes.
Covenant and Freedom of Belief
A quick comparison of the language of the two versions as they relate to individual freedom of belief and the nature of covenants.
Where are the 7 Principles? 