About
NAUA is a growing Association of Unitarians, Universalists, and other religious liberals. We are working together to support one another in our individual and congregational efforts to make our world happier and more just through the practice and promotion of our shared values.
Our Values
NAUA summarizes out values, which emerged during the Renaissance and flourished during the Enlightenment, as freedom, reason, and tolerance. We consider them fundamental for any society to demonstrate respect for the worth and dignity of every person.
Principles and Foundations of the NAUA
(The Principles were adopted provisionally at the 2026 annual Summit October 3, 2026. We will beholding feedback on these over the next year, and will likely present modifications, for adoption at the 2027 Annual Business Meeting.)
Preamble:
North American Unitarian Association is a member-service organization dedicated to supporting and promoting
the practice of liberal religion. Rooted in freedom of conscience, use of reason, and mutual tolerance, NAUA
affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
These principles and foundations are intended to guide the NAUA and our members to create better versions of ourselves and the world.
Principles:
- F reedom of Conscience:
We affirm that each person is free and responsible to form and revise their own spiritual beliefs. - R espectful Relationships:
We approach each other with compassion, empathy, kindness and respect. - E xploration and Inquiry:
We continually explore truth, meaning and purpose, guided by reason and scientific inquiry. - E quity and Fairness:
We work toward an equitable, peaceful and compassionate world. - D emocratic Participation:
We share responsibility, power, and decision-making. - O ur Interdependence:
We recognize our connection with one another and the natural world. - M eaningful Human Dignity:
We acknowledge that every person deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to flourish.
(Mnemonic acronym: FREEDOM)
Foundations:
We draw upon many sources, always open to new insight and deeper understanding — for inspiration, for reflection,
and for the ongoing work of discovery, compassion, and justice. Among them:
The wisdom of the world’s religious and spiritual teachings and traditions.
The visual, performing, literary, and creative arts — as sources of truth, beauty, and challenge.
Science and scholarship — always growing, always unfinished, always expanding our understanding.
The lives and ideas of courageous and compassionate people whose words and actions provoke and inspire us.
The natural world and our place within it.
Personal experience — the particular texture of each life, the insights of reflection, and encounters with the sacred.
Our members include Unitarians, Universalists, Humanists and other religious liberals throughout North America and the world.
Our members include both individuals and organizations, such as congregations, churches, fellowships, and other related groups.
NAUA requires no adherence to any theological creed as a basis for membership.
The North American Unitarian Association (NAUA) is committed to supporting and promoting liberal religion, including embracing the fundamental principles of human dignity, religious freedom, reason and tolerance.
Meet the Board of Trustees
The members of the Board of Trustees a elected at the Annual Summit service staggered Terms. Upon resentation of a Board member, the board my appoint a member to serve until the next Summit, when they must be elected by the membership, to continue serving.
Board Meeting and Minutes
The Board of Trustee meets on the Second Tuesday of every month, and some times as needed more frequently. Members may observe board meetings by making request to emailing secretary@naunitarians.org
Bylaws
Originally adopted by the membership In the first Summit in October 2024, amended at our second Summit in October 2025