Covenant of the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood

Led by our shared Unitarian Universalist values, committed to the search for truth, meaning, and justice, and determined to create a community of trust, warmth, and joy, together with love we covenant:

– to support this congregation with our presence, gifts, and service and to care for each other and the long-term well-being of our community

– to listen deeply to one another in a spirit of openness, acceptance, and trust

– to speak and act with forethought, honesty and compassion, considering not only the intent but also the impact of our words and behaviors

– to speak directly, whenever safe, to those with whom we have disagreements and to encourage others to do the same; seeking assistance from leadership as needed

– to include all people with gratitude for the differences among us, celebrating the richness of varied perspectives

– to attend intentionally to dynamics of oppression and prejudice in our interactions with each other and in our congregational system

– to participate in congregational votes and decisions, engaging in thoughtful dissent and respecting our democratic processes

– to ask for and to extend forgiveness to each other if we break these promises

This covenant is a living document to which we can refer in our interactions with each other, reminding ourselves of our shared promises. It invites ongoing learning and courageous acts of love and reconciliation.

                   –Approved by congregational vote at the Annual Meeting on June 13, 2021