About Unitarianism

Some History

In the early 16th Century, inspired by the Protestant Reformation, Spanish physician Michael Servetus wrote a couple of pamphlets on theology. In particular, based on his studies of the Bible, he argued against the doctrine of the trinity. As a result, he was condemned by both Catholics and Protestants. After escaping the Inquisition, he traveled to Geneva where he expected sanctuary. However, the Calvinist's of Zurich put him on trial for heresy, and sentenced him to burn at the stake. And so, many consider Servetus to be the first modern Unitarian.

In the latter 16th Century, Unitarian churches were founded in eastern Europe. When under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, non-Catholic churches were able to flourish in Transylvania. In 1568 the Edict of Turda proclaimed four religious expressions in Transylvania: Catholicism, Lutheranism, Calvinism and Unitarianism. In Poland, Unitarianism was introduced by the Socinians.

In England, the first preacher to describe himself as Unitarian was Thomas Emlyn (1663-1741) who gathered a London congregation in 1705. This was contrary to the Act of Toleration 1689, which excluded all who should preach or write against the Trinity. Penalties against Unitarians were later removed in the Doctrine of the Trinity Act 1813.

In 1774, Theophilus Lindsey founded the Essex Street Chapel, the first true Unitarian congregation in England. Lindsey had moved to London specifically to find like-minded people and to found a congregation. Support was immediately given him by distinguished English Presbyterian ministers such as Richard Price, who had his own church in Newington Green, and Joseph Priestley, who among other things discovered oxygen.

In the United States, the first congregation to accept Unitarianism was King's Chapel in Boston in 1782. As a result of growing division in the Congregational churches, the American Unitarian Association was founded in Boston in 1825. Beginning around 1885, Unitarianism moved even more towards rationalism, with recognition of universal religion, large acceptance of the scientific method and ideas, and an ethical attempt to realize what was perceived as to be the higher affirmations of Christianity.

In Canada, Unitarianism took root by the immigration of people who held Unitarian views. After some difficulty, the first Unitarian church was established in Montreal in 1842. Over time, other congregations were founded. However, the distance between them made it impossible to establish a national organization. Most congregations became affiliated with either the British or the American organizations. After World War II, ties with the American Unitarian Association grew.

In 1961, Unitarian and Universalist organizations in Canada and the United Stated combined. The Canadian organization became known as the Canadian Unitarian Council - Conseil Unitarien du Canada (CUC). In the United States, the new organization was called the Unitarian Universalist Assocation (UUA).

Unitarian Universalism Today

Today, Unitarianism is very much a different religion than the original churches in 16th Century Transylvania or 17th Century England. Unlike other religions, modern Unitarianism has no creeds or set doctrines. In the 16th Century, Michael Servetus questioned one specific Christian doctrine, the doctrine of the trinity. But over time, Unitarians challenged more and more doctrines. Today, the emphasis is on the spiritual journey, and not on preaching answers.

Strictly speaking, modern-day Unitarian Universalism is not unitarian in theology. Despite its name, Unitarianism Universalis does not necessarily promote either belief in One God or universal salvation. It is merely the inheritor of the Unitarian and Universalist church system. Although there are Unitarian Christians within the Canadian Unitarian Council and Unitarian Universalist Association, today, the majority of Unitarian Universalists do not identify themselves as Christian. Jesus and the Bible are generally treated as sources of inspiration, along with holy books and traditions from around the world.

It should be noted that there are a number of denominations calling themselves "unitarian". In some cases, these are anti-trinitarian Christian churches. To avoid confusion, we often use the term "Unitarian Universalist" (often abbreviated "UU"). Churches that belong to the Canadian Unitarian Council or the Unitarian Universalist Association follow a set of seven principles (given on the page Who We Are) that more or less define how we approach the great mysteries of life.

Today, Unitarian Universalist congregations are often at the forefront of progressive social causes. For example, our congregations welcome all regardless of race, creed, or sexual orientation. In Canada, almost all congregations are considered "Welcoming Congregations", which means that we are supportive of LGBT issues, including same-sex marriage.

Is Unitarianism right for you? You are always welcome at a Unitarian congregation. However, for many people, it might not be the right fit. If you are looking for definite answers to the great questions of life, then you probably want to look elsewhere. We will encourage you on your spiritual journey, but we don't preach concrete answers. For a provocative, somewhat tongue-in-cheek approach to this question, read the following sermon by Rev. Dr. Tony Larsen: Why You Should Not Be A Unitarian Universalist. (The sermon is well worth reading regardless!)

However, if you have doubts, or are not satisfied with the answers provided by other churches, you might want to learn more about Unitarianism. We draw inspiration from all other religions, as well as humanist teachings, science, philosophy and the arts. Our members include Christians, Jews, Buddhists, humanists, agnostics and atheists (to name just a few ism's).

Every congregation is different, with different styles of Sunday service, and different mixes of beliefs. At the Kingston Unitarian Fellowship, we have our own traditions. However, we are always prepared for surprises during the service. At KUF, it's difficult to just sit back and just passively watch the service. The service leaders often have ways of getting people involved.