Who We Are

Personal Beliefs and Commitments is a sharing and listening group that operates under Adult Education at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. The group meets on Sunday mornings. The focus is on conceptual topics of an ethical or spiritual nature. Regular attendance is not a condition for belonging.

Format and Governance

The group has a coordinator who maintains the email list of members, coordinates the rotation of facilitators, and maintains our social media presence. Facilitators are group volunteers who take turns leading the weekly discussion. This involves choosing the topic and guiding the discussion.

Unitarian Universalist Principles

Our discussions abide by the Unitarian Universalist Principles:

  1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person
  2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
  3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
  4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
  5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
  6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
  7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a
  8. Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.

Guidelines for Participants

  • This is an adult education Childcare accommodations are available.
  • Raise your hand before speaking and wait to be called upon by the facilitator (unless simply asking someone to speak up, etc.).
  • Be mindful and reflective of what others have
  • Express your thoughts succinctly, allowing time for others to
  • Ensure your voice can be heard clearly (there may be members with hearing impairments).
  • Respect confidentiality: Everyone who speaks should feel confident that what they say here, stays within the group.
  • Please stay on topic and adhere to our principles

Guidelines for Facilitators

Before the meeting

  • Choose a relevant topic in advance and provide the coordinator with a brief outline to share with the group.

During the meeting

  • Begin by recognizing any newcomers and allow them to introduce themselves and briefly share their spiritual background, if they are open and willing.
  • Briefly introduce the topic and open the floor for
  • Choose a participant to speak who has raised their hand; if more than one participant has raised their hand, choose the person who has had the fewest speaking opportunities.
  • Participate in the conversation, but no more than other
  • Ensure that the discussion remains on topic and adheres to our