Dreaming together of a more beautiful world our hearts know is possible requires a shared foundation of values and principles. As a democratically organized institution, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples (UUCGN) dreams together about the probabilities of a future, with the entire congregation participating, to make sure it is moving forward. Assisting congregations in their vital ministries, the Unitarian Universalist Association does the same.

“Rather than a creed or set of beliefs that congregations ascribe to, a common set of values serves as our base. We are unique in many ways, but we are also much the same. How we transcend the individual and begin to think in terms of the collective is a very important piece of our value system,” says UUCGN Reverend Tony Fisher.

“Agreeing to come together under a covenant and walk together in love is at the heart of our value system. Love is what holds us all together,” emphasizes Fisher. “We are accountable to one another in the spirit of love, which embraces the freedom of belief. Honoring the beliefs of all our members as they develop and grow rests on an awareness of the world and incorporating new understandings as the world changes constantly.”

The power within the congregation rests with the people. Conversations center around the values of love, interdependence, equity, transformation, pluralism, generosity and justice. Common principles are considered, but values come first. These include the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within the congregation and in society at large; the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which all are a part.

Unitarian Universalists have a liberal mindset on multiple levels. “We are open to new truths that originate in the latest science and historically from the words and deeds of men and women throughout history that worked for the common good. As a living tradition that is evolving, we are required to constantly ask ourselves questions and be open to answers that may change us. Our mission statement here in Naples reads: ‘We are a welcoming congregation freely seeking intellectual and spiritual growth. We strive to create a larger community of peace, justice and love,’” says Fisher, who feels that in the difficult and anxious times that we are living through, it is important for people to know that there is a set of values and principles that they can embrace together and uphold.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Naples is located at 6340 Napa Woods Way. For more information, call 805-400-8019 or visit UUNaples.org.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples - 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples, FL

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