A Theology of Meaning affirms that to employ the term ‘God’ (in the Christian sense) is to say that we perceive a connection between the marvels of the natural world, the moral law, the life of Jesus, the depths of the human personality, our intimations about time, death and eternity, our experience of human forgiveness and love, and the finest insights of the Christian tradition intuitively. To deny the existence of ‘God’ is to say that we cannot (yet) see such connections.

We affirm that following the path and teachings of Jesus can lead to healing and wholeness, a mystical connection to the Divine, and an awareness and experience of the oneness and interconnectedness of all life.

Further, what we see revealed in Jesus is our fullest and best expression of the nature of divinity and humanity.

We affirm the Holy Spirit as the divine presence, power, and love at work in the world, in all relationships, and within the depths of human consciousness and subjectivity. The Spirit moves through creation and human experience, guiding, renewing, and uniting all in the new order of love. 

We affirm the scriptures as the inspired insights of our spiritual ancestors and as the product of the voices and histories of human authors. The texts are not inerrant, infallible, or to be read literally. Through its diverse writings, scripture narrates the unfolding of God’s Kingdom—a vision of justice, mercy, and reconciliation enacted within human history. Its authority lies not in infallible words, but in its capacity to call us into meaningful participation in that ongoing story.

We affirm that the Church comprises all the people of God, the body of Christ made visible. It transcends all denominations and traditions. The Church is inclusive of all who seek to follow Jesus’ example and teachings, living in love and practicing Jesus’ works of mercy.

We affirm the narrative of scripture and the wisdom of the broad Christian tradition as paradigmatic for religious and moral life. This wisdom must be interpreted through reason, informed by science and the best of human learning, and confirmed in human experience. Such wisdom guides us in seeking truth that is further clarified by the integrity of personal conscience and the wisdom of communal discernment.

We affirm that salvation is the fullness of life that God intends for all—the experience of human flourishing, wholeness, and fulfillment in this world. Salvation is found by following and conforming one’s life to the way and teachings of Jesus. We hold out hope that this divine wholeness continues beyond death in ways we cannot fully know, yet remain grounded in the eternal nature of love.

We affirm creation itself as sacramental—revealing the presence of the divine power in all that is. We honor the seven ancient sacraments as enduring signs through which human life finds meaning, renewal, and communion with the sacred and one another. We understand baptism as the sign and act of entering the new covenant and its community, and we hold the Eucharist as central to our gatherings and celebrations. We affirm the priestly and prophetic calling of all who follow Jesus and recognize that all may participate fully in the sacramental life of the community.

We affirm that how we live and treat others are the fullest and most meaningful expressions of our spiritual and personal beliefs. We support the harmony of belief and action, understanding that faith is demonstrated through compassion, justice, and service. In the spirit of the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25, we acknowledge the importance of love and mercy over theological knowledge and reject all forms of fundamentalism, legalism, and self-righteousness. 

We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus and all who are committed to the mutual support and well-being of others. We embrace all people of goodwill within our communities, recognizing in each the image of God and the call to live in love, justice, and peace.