Submission 284
Bill Jordan
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron (Fairlawn, OH) 6733
What is your suggestion or idea?
Reinstate the primacy of the First Principle, ““we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person.”” It should come first, and it should not be demoted to second-class status under some other topic.
What is the reason for your amendment idea?
The First Principle embodies the essential, central tenet of Unitarian Universalism. The 2d-6th Principles (and at our church the 8th Principle) all flow from the First Principle. In fact, we need no other principles or values if we truly live our First Principle.
It is not a subset of ““Equity.”” It must come before such considerations. Only after we have assured the centrality and integrity of each individual can we turn to assuring all individuals are treated equitably.
Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?
Yes, I have discussed the centrality of the First Principle with many congregants. All agree with my position. In fact, other congregants have said that we need only the First Principle since all else flow from it if we truly follow it.