For the next several weeks, we’re going to be talking in Worship about our religious values.  Words like “justice, equity and compassion,” “acceptance of one another” or “free and responsible,” to take a few of examples from our Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles.  Unitarian Universalist communities are centered on shared values.  We’re diverse in our beliefs.  We’re diverse in what we do in the world.  But we’re united in our values.

A community of shared values is a strong community.  It feels good to know the people around you care about the principles you care about, are willing to defend them, hold them sacred.  A lot of communities, and even corporations create statements of their core values to help them stay on track and connected to what’s key for them.  

The photo below is a set of values for the Los Angeles Athletic Club I belong to.  That’s a pretty good list.  I can support those values, which makes me happy to be a club member, the way knowing that our UU Seven Principles are the core of our community make me happy to be a part of this Fellowship.