Changing the Principles in Canada

“Can Eco-SpiritUality Grow Eco-JUUstice?”

Confluence Lecture 

May 17, 2008 

Delivered at The Canadian Unitarian Council 

Presented by Rev. Meg Roberts and Rev. Brian Kiely 

Annual Meeting and Conference    

    The lecture here was presented by members of the task force and lays out the thinking to change the Principles so that the 7th Principle comes first, and is followed by an altered First Principle, and an altered Second Principle.

New First Principle:  Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a 

New Second Principle:  The inherent worth and dignity of every being 

New Third Principle:  Justice equity and compassion in all relations

    In 2008 the Canadian Unitarian Council a task force gathered to investigate changing the Principles to these, such as the First Principle Project is doing now.  Their work is very similar to what we of the Unitarian Universalist Association have discussed. The Canadian Unitarian Council decided to table this worthwhile discussion for another time. Though it was not successful, it influenced preaching and conversation, again, much like the goals of the First Principle Project.

All Religions, Every Being

Here is a video that you can use in your First Principle Project discussions and faith development activities. 

Here are some discussion questions:

How does your wisdom, experiences, and understanding resonate with what is shown here?  

How might Unitarian Universalists depict our views on all beings if we were to have a video such as this?

Nurture Your Nature with the First Principle Project

A new television show just began, Nurture Nature, hosted by Rev. LoraKim Joyner DVM.  In the first two episodes she speaks of the First Principle Project. Following each show are reflection questions and action steps that address the intent of the First Principle Project - living compassionately, healthy, deeply, and joyfully in a multispecies world so that we can nurture all of life, and care for the many individuals.  

These videos can be used in Lifespan Development activities and as a Worship Service.

As this is a new project, if you have any suggestions for producing the show or for future shows, please contact Dr. Joyner.

Click here to watch the first episode - Reverence for Life

Click here to watch the second episode - Living with Reverence for Life

Multispecies Ministry and First Principle Project Podcast

Recently Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM was interviewed regarding her multispecies ministry, with particular attention to the First Principle Project.  This is a podcast that you can listen to on this site, or can download.   

A New Congregation Has Passed the Resolution to Change the First Principle!

We are happy to announce that the Second Congregational Society/Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, (Nantucket, Massachusetts) has passed a resolution to change the UUA bylaws so that the First Principle reads, "The inherent worth and dignity of all beings."  Thanks to them and those that helped passed this resolution, including Susan Richards who made it happen. 

 We now have 8 sponsoring congregations, and 4 sponsoring organizations.

Yours could be the next one - may it be so!

Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM

First Principle Project Facilitator

A New Congregation Has Passed the Resolution to Change the First Principle!

We are happy to announce that  the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tullahoma, Tennessee has passed a resolution to change the UUA bylaws so that the First Principle reads, "The inherent worth and dignity of all beings."  Thanks to them and those that helped passed this resolution, including Doug Traversa who preached on the subject and brought it to the attention of that congregation.

Here is a video of that sermon.  You can use it to bring the conversation, and hopefully the resolution, to your congregation.

 We now have 7 sponsoring congregations, and 4 sponsoring organizations.

Yours could be the next one - may it be so!

Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM

First Principle Project Facilitator

A New Congregation Passed the First Principle Amendment!

 

We are happy to announce that  the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Murfreesboro, Tennessee has passed a resolution to change the UUA bylaws so that the First Principle reads, "The inherent worth and dignity of all beings."  Thanks to them and those that helped passed this resolution, including Doug Traversa who preached on the subject and brought it to the attention of that congregation.

 We now have 6 sponsoring congregations, and 4 sponsoring organizations.

Yours could be the next one - may it be so!

Rev. LoraKim Joyner, DVM

First Principle Project Facilitator