Our Values & Principles

Unitarian Universalism is guided by
SIX CORE VALUES

Interdependence, Pluralism,
Justice, Transformation,
Generosity, and Equity,

all centered around love.

UU Shared Values

Interdependence: This value emphasizes the interconnectedness of all existence. Unitarian Universalists honor the web of life and acknowledge their place within it, promoting sustainable relationships and care for the Earth and all
beings.
Pluralism: UU values celebrate diversity in culture, experience, and theology. This value encourages learning from one another and embracing differences with love and respect.
Justice: Unitarian Universalists strive to create diverse, multicultural communities where everyone can thrive. This value includes a commitment to dismantling systemic oppression and promoting inclusive democratic processes.
Transformation: This value reflects the adaptability of UU communities in response to a changing world. It encourages personal and communal growth through a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
Generosity: Cultivating a spirit of gratitude and hope is central to this value. It encourages members to act with kindness and support one another in their spiritual journeys.
Equity: This value asserts that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. It emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and fairness.

OUR EIGHT PRINCIPLES

We 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
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
Work to build a diverse, multicultural Beloved Community by our actions to dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions

8th-Principle-Page

Our church was the second congregation in the country to adopt
THE EIGHTH PRINCIPLE

“We covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

UU 8th Principle - Dismantle Racism

SIX SOURCES

We draw from many sources:

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 teaching,s 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 tradition,s which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF HONOLULU

MISSION:

We are a Unitarian Universalist community, inspired by our Principles, boldly growing compassion, justice, and joy.

VISION:

Our Vision is to be a self-sustaining, growing, vibrant, and inclusive community serving as a beacon of religious freedom and expression.

COVENANT OF RIGHT RELATIONS:

We, the Congregation of the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, in order to create unity among diversity and promote spiritual growth, covenant to:

Realize and acknowledge the impact we have on others and be accountable for repairing microaggressions and other hurtful actions when they occur. When our impact is hurtful in a group setting, we repair publicly.
Create openness by actively listening and by checking assumptions through questions and verifying facts.
Honor our time commitments to each other.
Use the democratic process whenever possible to create trust and inclusion.
Know and follow the existing policies and bylaws of the Church.
Create mutual trust by communicating privately and promptly with each other to resolve problems; refrain from speaking ill of others.
When in disagreement or conflict with each other, take a deep breath(!), speak respectfully and stay relaxed; avoid labeling, judging, or criticizing.
Have the courage to call “time out” during meetings or conversations to restore right relations
As a last resort, we may seek assistance from a trusted member of the Shared Ministry Team if we feel we cannot resolve a problem on our own.
Express our appreciation frequently for the amazing contributions of our church members, leaders, and professionals.

Through honoring this Covenant, we commit to growing Compassion, Justice, and Joy within ourselves, our congregation, and our community.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On behalf of the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, we acknowledge that we gather on ʻāina, which is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Hawaiian people.

We recognize that her majesty, Queen Lili’uokalani, yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom and these territories temporarily under durees and protested to the United States to avoid the bloodshed of her people.

We honor our shared responsibility to this land and these waters.

We commit to learning from Hawaiian wisdom, and we strive to repair and deepen our relationships as neighbors and friends.

First Unitarian Church of Honolulu

2500 Pali Highway
Honolulu, HI 96817

Email: office@unitariansofhi.org
Tel: 808.595.4047

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