Unitarian Universalists hold Seven Principles as our wise guides in living in the world. I am wondering what they would look and sound like on the playground.
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
On the playground: hey, there’s a new kid. Let’s go ask her to play.
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
On the playground: Hey, Jackson, you’ve never been team captain. Why don’t you choose teams today?
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
On the playground: Hey, Shirl, you know, I’ve always thought your clothes were so weird, and your hair color changes every other day. Wow, dude. But I had no idea you could draw like that! You are amazing!
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
On the playground: Why does he always sit over their under the tree? Somebody said he’s crazy. What, did you read that on the internet? Look, do what you want to, but I’m going to sit under the tree with him today and find out what his story is.
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
On the playground: Hey, can we play this a different way? What if we did it like this?
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
On the playground: Look! We found a way to play this so that everyone has fun, everyone gets to play and everyone leaves the playground saying: “what a great time that was!”
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
On the playground: Everyone has a job, to get the toys out, to pick up trash, to make sure that no one is left out, think of new ways to play the old games, to gather up the toys, to put them away. It takes us all to make the playground work.
Just a dream? That’s the the way it usually starts.
Bob Patrick
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