The purpose of this fellowship is to constitute a free and fearless church religious fellowship, open to all people.
Mindful of its inheritance from the past, this church seeks truth wherever it may be found, is tolerant of differing opinion, responds to human spiritual needs, cherishes the integrity of the individual, and is devoted to the common good in the community, nation and world.
This church shall maintain religious services and a ministry, provide for the religious education of the young, and encourage other activities, religious, educational, service and social, in keeping with its purpose.
The mission of the Beverly Unitarian Church is to live our faith through action, earn a visible presence in the community, and offer a place of spiritual renewal.
There are seven principles which Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
Unitarian Universalism (UU) draws from many sources:
- Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
- Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
- Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
- Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
- Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
- Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
These principles and sources of faith are the backbone of our religious community.