Why the “Fourth Principle” Group?
The Fourth Principle states: We affirm and promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Members of this group are very concerned that the values embodied in this principle are being seriously eroded in the CUC, our congregations, and the UUA. The values expressed in this and our other principles are what attracted many to become Unitarians.
In 2021, the CUC managed the process for considering the 8th Principle in ways that severely limited discussion of the need for and wording of the proposed principle, and ignored its own policy for full and open discussion of major proposals like this one. There are a number of reported cases of members being intimidated and disrespected when trying to raise concerns with the proposed principle. Others took refuge in silence. Still others felt surprised and frustrated by the lack of genuine discussion forums. This has led some to cancel their membership, to reduce their volunteer activities, to reduce their financial support, or to just remain silent and dissatisfied.
In 2023, the UUA intends to change Article II of its bylaws where the seven principles (and six sources) are stated. The draft text of the revised Article II replaces the seven principles with seven “values and covenants” which do not mention the values embodied in the Fourth Principle. As well, the revised article changes the purpose of the UUA from “serving” the
needs of its independent member congregations to more proactively “equipping” them for ministry. It appears the UUA intends to be more prescriptive about how member congregations conduct their ministry. A significant number of UUs in the USA are troubled by the proposals, and by the authoritarian and intolerant ways in which the UUA is conducting the Article II review process. Changes to the UUA bylaws are not binding on Unitarian congregations in Canada (unless, perhaps, they are also UUA members), but some Canadian Unitarians are concerned that there will be pressures to follow UUA’s lead.
What happens at the UUA matters to Canadian Unitarians because, while Unitarian congregations can call any minister they want, for all practical purposes they are limited to choosing a minister approved by the UUA. Thus, those searching for a new settled minister (like UCV) select from a pool of candidates who may not be aligned with Canadian Unitarian principles and organizational purposes.
Our Commitments:
The members of the Fourth Principle Group are committed to:
1. Affirming and promoting a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
We support individuals in their search for truth and meaning for themselves,
and in speaking out against restriction of those explorations.
2. Sustaining our liberal values- and principles-based faith tradition,
3. Supporting our congregations in fulfilling these commitments, and
4. Adhering to a Covenant of Healthy Relations like that of the Vancouver Unitarians.
To help build trust and dialogue, new members of the group are asked to post a short biography within a week or so describing their connections to their own congregation, any connections to the wider denominational communities, and their current concerns, especially as they relate to the Fourth Principle.
January 7, 2023
Unitarian 4th Principle Group 
3 responses to “Unitarian Fourth Principle Group Founding Statement, January 2023”
The UUA, in response to the unexpectedly large number of negative feedback responses to their original plan, slipped back in the 4th Principle language in the value of “Pluralism” – “Pluralism. We celebrate that we are all sacred beings diverse in culture, experience, and theology. We covenant to learn from one another in our free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We embrace our differences and commonalities with Love, curiosity, and respect.”
So, the argument will be that the 4th Principle is still extant. But it is diluted and subjugated to the value of “Pluralism.” This is a bunch of f@##ing gaslighting! We all know the new UU illiberal coup is all about hostility towards any kind of individual search for truth and meaning, but they are going to keep trying to sell us all on their con by playing manipulative games.
It is a challenge to maintain an authentic position in the midst of such bad faith manipulation. Good on you for trying!
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What say we get back to our roots, and add “… as the foundation of our religious fellowship,” and then rename this group as “The REAL UUA.”
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It appears to be change for the sake of change. I’m the president of All Souls in Sioux Falls SD. I’ve only been a member for one year, and became a member because of th seven principles. Any changes require that we discard our existing printed materials and our posters and replace them. There must be a compelling reason before making any changes. The proposed changes invite two questions:
1. Will the new “values” cause members like me who lose what they felt they were joining and lose enthusiasm and perhaps lose membership?
2. Will the new “values” bring in more members than we lose?
I am skeptical.
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