What is the 8th Principle?

Since the Unitarians and Universalists merged in 1961, we have had principles that guide our behavior and how we live and interact with each other and the world. These principles are reviewed periodically to ensure they reflect our current world. They were last revised in 1985 to eliminate sexist language, becoming the current 7 Principles of Unitarian Universalism..

An 8th Principle was created to acknowledge the work that needs to be done around white supremacy and other oppressions. It affirms the intention of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and its congregations to live by and with anti-racist actions, to eliminate oppression in society.

Since 2018, over 270 Unitarian Universalist congregations have voted to accept the Eighth Principle independent of any action by the national governing body, the Unitarian Universalist association.

The UUA has also been working on revising Article II of its bylaws, which include the current 7 Principles of UU.

In 2023, our congregation voted unanimously to adopt the 8th principle.

8th Principle Events

In planning:

• We are scheduling an Indigenous People of Concord tour.
• The book group will read Octavia Butler’s book Parable of the Sower.

Stamped from the Beginning — January 14, 2024

Congregation Vote - Eighth Principle — October 22, 2023

8th Principle Pancake Breakfast — September 24, 2023

8th Principle Picnic & Ice Cream Social — July 23, 2023