The Commitments

In this community, I freely choose and commit to:

1. Honoring the inherent dignity and worth of every person, here and beyond.

2. Respecting the beliefs, traditions, and paths of others, and the freedom of each person to walk their own.

3. Bringing truthfulness, compassion, and care to my part in this community.

4. Holding in confidence what others share in these spaces, and honoring their privacy.

5. Taking part under a chosen name, and honoring the chosen names of others.

6. Meeting others with peace and care, and acting in ways that support the well-being of each person and the community as a whole.

7. Honoring the autonomy, boundaries, and freedom of others to make their own choices and follow their own path.

8. Taking personal responsibility for the care of my mind, body, and spirit, and seeking qualified professional help when medical, psychological, legal, or financial matters call for it.

9. Taking part freely, remaining true to my own conscience, and knowing that I may step away at any time.

What this means

The Commons collects only what it needs, keeps spiritual participation confidential, and keeps member information private.

Membership is recorded in a confidential roll, visible only to stewardship, held in trust.

Membership begins with these Commitments. Practice, learning, taking part, and service are ways a person may engage here. None of them creates spiritual standing, rank, or advancement, and payment has no effect on Membership or standing.

What affirmation means

When you affirm the Commitments, you become a Member of the Commons. Membership is free and begins with your choice to take part under these shared principles. You choose the name you want to use in the Commons, and you can change it later.

The Commons promise

The Commons promises to keep the doors open for everyone, to treat every tradition with respect, to hold sources above opinion, to seek alongside you, to gather in shared presence, to give freely, and to be honest about what it is. These are the Commitments. This is what you affirm.