What We Often Forget

In UU circles, we often argue over semantics. This only divides our ranks and does nothing to boost our membership. It divides us, rather than unites us.

In regards to this point, let me defer to one of our elder statesmen, Thomas Jefferson. I'll comment after each pertinent point.


Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.

• We have seven principles, do we not? And being that we are human, we are bound to violate them. We are imperfect. Some might say that we don't need principles at all, but that's a difference of opinion.

We have called by different names brethren of the same principle.

• Be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, Pagan, etc.

If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union, or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it.

• We have the right to our opinion, but we do not have the right to force our opinions down anyone else's throat. We only ask the same as we would be treated by someone else.