Published on Mon Jun 29 2026 06:00:00 GMT+0600 (Omsk Standard Time) by 8th Principle UU

The 8th Principle of Unitarian Universalism is more than a proposed addition to our covenant; it is a commitment to transform our faith and our institutions. In this inaugural email update, we share the latest developments, resources, and stories from the movement to adopt the 8th Principle across our denomination. Whether you are new to this conversation or deeply engaged, we hope this update informs and inspires your journey.

What is the 8th Principle?

The 8th Principle states: "We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, 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." Unlike the existing seven principles, which are largely aspirational, the 8th Principle calls for accountable action. It explicitly names racism and other oppressions as barriers to Beloved Community and challenges us to dismantle them within ourselves and our congregations. The word "accountably" is crucial: it signals that good intentions are not enough, and that we must be answerable to one another and to those most impacted by oppression.

This principle emerged from the lived experiences of Unitarian Universalists of color and their allies who recognized that our current principles, while noble, do not sufficiently address the systemic nature of oppression. The 8th Principle is rooted in the theology of Beloved Community, a concept popularized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which envisions a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one's fellow human beings.

Why Now? The Historical Context

The push for an 8th Principle has deep roots in Unitarian Universalist history. For decades, Unitarian Universalists of color and allies have called for the denomination to more directly address racism. The 1990s Journey Toward Wholeness initiative began this work, but many felt it fell short of structural change. The Black Lives Matter movement and the raci gave new urgency to these calls. Congregations across the country began discussing the 8th Principle, drafted by Paula Cole Jones and Bruce Pollack-Johnson, and many voted to adopt it.

This grassroots movement has grown into a denomination-wide conversation about what it means to be a faith that truly centers love and justice. The 8th Principle is not merely an addition to our principles; it is a call to re-examine every aspect of our congregational life, from worship and religious education to governance and community engagement. The widespread adoption of the principle reflects a growing recognition that spiritual wholeness cannot be achieved without actively dismantling oppression.

"The 8th Principle is not about adding words to a page; it is about transforming our hearts and our institutions so that all may thrive."

Progress Update: Adoption Across the UUA

As of this update, more than 200 congregations have formally adopted the 8th Principle, with many more in discernment. While the UUA's Article II Study Commission is reviewing all principles and sources, the grassroots adoption sends a powerful message. Regional clusters have formed to support each other, and several UU seminaries and affiliated organizations have endorsed it. The momentum is clear: UUs are ready to make anti-racism and anti-oppression central to our identity.

Adoption is not a one-size-fits-all process. Some congregations vote quickly after a period of study, while others engage in months of dialogue and reflection. What matters is not speed but depth of commitment. We encourage all congregations to take the time needed to ensure that the adoption is not just a symbolic gesture but a true covenant to change. For those who have already adopted, the work of implementation is just beginning.

Resources for Congregations

Whether your congregation is just starting the conversation or ready to vote, there are abundant resources to support you. The 8th Principle Learning Community offers curricula for all ages, including The 8th Principle: A Curriculum for Children and Youth and adult study guides like Widening the Circle of Concern. The UU Institute provides online courses on racial justice, and many districts have facilitators available to guide discussions. We encourage you to utilize the 8th Principle Toolkit, which includes:

• Worship materials, including prayers, readings, and hymns
• Sample resolutions for congregational adoption
• Guidance for navigating conflict and difficult conversations
• Suggested timelines for study and discernment
• Stories from congregations that have adopted the principle

Remember: this is not just about a vote; it is about ongoing transformation. The resources above are designed to help your congregation move from education to action, ensuring that the 8th Principle becomes woven into the fabric of your community.

Upcoming Events and Ways to Engage

This fall, the 8th Principle Task Force will host a series of virtual town halls to share stories and answer questions. Regional gatherings are being planned, and a national teach-in is scheduled for late spring. You can also join the 8th Principle Advocates Facebook group to connect with others across the denomination. If your congregation has not yet formed a study group, now is the time. We also invite you to support the work financially through the UU Funding Program, which has a dedicated fund for 8th Principle initiatives.

Engagement is not limited to formal events. You can bring the 8th Principle into your worship services, religious education classes, and social justice ministries. Share your stories with us, and we will amplify them in future updates. Together, we can build a network of congregations committed to accountable anti-racism work.

Stories from the Field

In one midwestern congregation, adopting the 8th Principle led to a complete review of their hiring practices and a commitment to diverse leadership. In a southern congregation, it sparked a partnership with a local Black church to address housing inequities. A youth group in New England used the principle to advocate for curriculum changes in their public schools. These stories show that the 8th Principle is not merely symbolic; it is a catalyst for real change.

We are collecting stories like these to share with the wider denomination. If your congregation has experienced transformation as a result of engaging with the 8th Principle, please let us know. Your story can inspire others to take the next step on their journey.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Adopting the 8th Principle is just the first step. The harder work is living into its commitments. Congregations must be willing to examine their own complicity in systems of oppression, from governance to budgeting to who feels welcome. There will be discomfort and conflict, but that is part of the journey toward spirituh Principle Task Force will continue to provide updates and support. We are grateful for your engagement and look forward to walking this path together.

In the coming months, we will share more detailed guidance on implementation, including resources for auditing your congregation's practices and policies. We will also highlight congregations that are making significant progress. If you have not yet read our second update, Email Update 2 offers additional insights and next steps.

Thank you for your commitment to building a diverse, multicultural Beloved Community. Together, we can dismantle racism and other oppressions, one congregation at a time.

Written by 8th Principle UU