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Our Covenant for Building Community

Approved by HVUUC Congregation

April 26, 2009

 

We gather as a caring and intentional community, knowing that alone our vision is too narrow to see all that must be seen, and our strength too limited to do all that must be done. Aware that the life of this community is enriched and deepened when we seek individual spiritual truths, this covenant provides a way for us to speak and hear personal truths with honesty and compassion. In covenant with each other, we choose that which builds community, honoring our shared UU Principles when they conflict with our personal preferences. We affirm our interdependence, celebrate our differences, and attempt to create a thoughtful and harmonious religious congregation.

Member to Self

I affirm the principles of the inherent worth and dignity of every person and of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. In this spirit, I covenant to:

  • Learn and use the skills necessary for clear, honest, and compassionate communication.
  • Be mindful that I speak for myself and not for others.
  • Take responsibility for my own behavior and feelings, examining my own motives, and maintaining balance in the face of conflict.
  • Nurture my own personal and spiritual development.

Member to Member

I affirm the principles of justice, equity, and compassion in human relations, the acceptance of one another, and the encouragement of spiritual growth in our church community. In this spirit, I covenant to:

  • Use direct, respectful, and honest communication to settle issues in person or by telephone, maintaining confidentiality, and refraining from gossip.
  • Speak only for myself, and not for others.
  • Listen actively, without judgment or interruption, seeking to understand, presuming the good intentions of others.
  • Be willing to admit my own contribution to conflict. Practice and seek forgiveness.
  • Accept that there will be misunderstandings, reflect before reacting, and seek clarification when I feel offended.
  • Celebrate and encourage diversity within our congregation in a welcoming, generous, and committed manner.

Member to Minister

I affirm the principles of justice, equity and compassion in human relations, acceptance of one another, and the encouragement of spiritual growth in our church community. In this spirit, I covenant to:

  • Support the minister and our shared ministry with my time, talents, and resources, and refrain from conduct harmful to either.
  • Recognize that our minister is a human being with gifts, talents, and challenges. Give honest feedback, both positive and negative.
  • Encourage the minister to exercise freedom of the pulpit in conformity with UU principles, and respect the minister's personal spiritual path.
  • Respect the minister's schedule and need for personal time.

Member to Board

I affirm the principles of the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the right of conscience, and the use of the democratic process within our congregation. In this spirit, I covenant to:

  • Expect the business of the church to be conducted openly and equitably.
  • Respectfully provide specific and constructive input to the board at appropriate times.
  • Respect our board's due process decisions, and follow designated policies and procedures when in disagreement.
  • Educate myself about our bylaws, policies and procedures, and stay informed.
  • Encourage diversity on the board.
  • Express genuine appreciation to board members for their voluntary commitment of time, energy and effort. Offer the same consideration to board members that I would expect in regard to home and family.

Member to Church Community

I affirm the principles of the right of conscience and of the use of the democratic process, recognizing the interdependent web of relationships in our community, and the goals of peace, liberty and justice. In this spirit, I covenant to:

  • Promote and maintain a loving and safe community by respecting the sacred nature of our time together, our covenant, and our shared purpose.
  • Welcome and include newcomers.
  • Remain in community through conflict and work towards resolution.
  • Actively participate in the decision-making process, and respect the outcome.
  • Respect minority opinions and embrace diversity within our congregation, accepting that conflict is inevitable and provides an opportunity for spiritual growth.
  • Support our church with my time, talent, and treasure as I am able.

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