The UUA adopted the following Principles and Purposes in 1997:

The Principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association
"We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

FIRST PRINCIPLE
The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
SECOND PRINCIPLE
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
THIRD PRINCIPLE
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
FOURTH PRINCIPLE
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
FIFTH PRINCIPLE
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
SIXTH PRINCIPLE
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
SEVENTH PRINCIPLE
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition we share 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 keep 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.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support."

The Purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association
" The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.

The Association declares and affirms its special responsibility, and that of its member societies and organizations, to promote the full participation of persons in all of its and their activities and in the full range of human endeavor without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.

Nothing herein shall be deemed to infringe upon the individual freedom of belief which is inherent in the Universalist and Unitarian heritages or to conflict with any statement of purpose, covenant, or bond of union used by any society unless such is used as a creedal test."