Paganism in the UUA

What is the Sixth Source?

UUs are dedicated to the right of conscience, the personal search for spiritual truth, and freedom from dogmatism. Because Unitarian Universalists do not demand that all who choose to affiliate with the denomination believe the same things, or worship the same way, the denomination is considered a "non-creedal religion." This means that a congregation or fellowship affiliated with the UUA may neither restrict nor require specific beliefs of its members. However, contrary to the statements of some who do not understand the idea of intentional diversity, it is not true that there is nothing to which all UUs ascribe as a belief or a practice. The concepts shared in common by Unitarian Universalists of differing belief systems and spiritual paths, the statements which would constitute the near-equivalent of a "creed" in another religion, are known as the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism. They are as follows:

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 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.
• Free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
• 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.

In consideration of the above Principles, a companion statement was crafted. This statement listed the Sources from which the Principles had developed. The statement of the combined Seven Principles and the Five Sources of Unitarian Universalism constitute a covenant known as the Principles and Purposes of the UUA. They were adopted at the General Assembly of 1984 and restated and reaffirmed at the GA in 1985. At that time, The Five Sources read:

"The living tradition we share draws 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 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 scence, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.

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.

The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, and implement its principles."

Until General Assembly in 1995, there were only the above Five Sources, encompassing most of the main streams of recognized spiritual thought that were common to the great religious paths of humankind. In 1989, a campaign began to incorporate a Source which further exemplified the variety of religious and spiritual thought which was most identifiably linked to the Seventh Principle. At the General Assembly in 1995, the Sixth Source was adopted, by a narrow margin. It reads:

• 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.

It should be remembered, especially in the context of the Pagan world of the 21st Century, where Pagan resources are readily available on the Internet and elsewhere, that the climate of cceptance we take for granted today in many areas was far less pervasive twenty years ago. The vote on the Sixth Source was by no means unanimous, and the effort to even present the Amendment to the Five Sources at GA took six years. However, UUs are committed by covenant to supporting one another on their individual spiritual journeys, respecting always the "free and responsible search for truth and meaning." UUs are also dedicated to "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part." Therefore, even non-Pagan UUs, in most cases, will defend the right of fellow congregants to follow various paths termed "Earth-centered" or "Pagan". Many UUs understand Paganism within this context while not accepting Paganism as their personal spiritual truth. For some UUs, the Sixth Source translates to personal commitment to a Pagan spirituality. For other UUs it means a Humanist, Native American, Goddess-centered or other nature-honoring spirituality.

In any case, thanks to pioneering UUs in the late 1980's and 1990's, the recognition of Pagan spirituality as a viable and vibrant contribution to the mosaic of Unitarian Universalism has been achieved. We continue to work for religious rights and intra- and interfaith understanding in those places where there is still fear or intolerance. The Sixth Source and its generating Seventh Principle are now integral parts of the fabric of the UUA, being constantly explored and redefined in wider and deeper arenas if expression throughout the church and beyond it.