There are seven principles which all 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 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.

In 2021, our congregation became one of over 200 that adopted an Eighth Principle, which reads:

  • “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”

Our faith proudly 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.  As a congregation, we also have our own mission statement, which reads as follows:

Our Mission

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie is a welcoming congregation rooted in the liberating message of Unitarian Universalism.


WE INSPIRE spiritual and intellectual growth.


WE NURTURE a supportive and diverse community of members, families and friends.


WE ACT in service to the broader community.

Our Covenant

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie is a religious community that affirms and promotes UU principles and values. We honor the rich diversity of our congregants and our varied spiritual paths.  


We freely enter into this covenant, promising to other members mutual trust and respect.


As a UUFP member, I will:


Accept and support other members, and contribute my energies and resources, in service of a healthy community;


Work to bridge differences that keep me from fully cooperating in the Fellowship;


Strive to fully live the UU principles and values in my daily life. 

Inclusion Statement

Reflecting on our commitment to the principles and to our mission statement, at a corporate meeting in January 2010, the Fellowship became the first Unitarian Universalist congregation in the country to adopt the UUA Commission on Appraisal's suggested "Inclusion" language in their bylaws. This text was designed to replace traditional non-discrimination language with more proactive and positive wording.


Here is the adopted text: 


"Systems of power, privilege, and oppression have traditionally created barriers for persons and groups with particular identities, ages, abilities, and histories. We pledge to do all we can to replace such barriers with ever-widening circles of solidarity and mutual respect. We strive to be a congregation that truly welcomes all persons and commits to structuring congregational life in ways that empower and enhance everyone’s participation."



To learn more about UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM, please visit the Unitarian Universalist Association website by clicking here.