Unitarian Universalist Church

Description

The Unitarian Universalist Church has its roots in two separate movements, both born of Christianity of differing doctrines. Unitarianism stresses individual freedom of belief, the free use of reason in religion, a united world community and liberal social action. Universalism emphasizes the universal fatherhood of God.

The Unitarians first appeared in the Maritimes in 1811 out of the Puritan movement. Over the next 100 years, often influenced by followers of the Universalist movement, Unitarianism spread west to British Columbia. In 1832, the first Unitarian church was established in Montreal, but it lasted only a few years. The next Montreal congregation was established in 1842 and was successful. In Toronto, in 1846, the Unitarian Congregation developed a constitution. In 1870, the Post Office Mission was run successfully by Montreal and Toronto Unitarians, and the magazines The Unitarian and Green’s Rational Christian had many subscribers. The Unitarian movement spread to Winnipeg in 1890 and began to gain members. In 1908, the Church undertook to extend its membership in western Canada.

The Canadian Unitarian Council was formed in 1961. That same year, urged by Unitarians and Universalists in both Canada and the United States, the Canadian and American organizations merged to form the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Canadian Unitarian Council remained the guiding body in Canada; it maintains an affiliation with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Only local congregations are part of the Association.

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Church have a variety of religious convictions and may adhere to Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, naturist, atheist, agnostic or humanist beliefs. The Church is a coming together of many religious beliefs and doctrines, and a heavy emphasis is placed on self-determined spiritual discovery.

Salvation is also a focus of the Unitarian Universalists, in the sense that salvation implies spiritual health. Unitarians conclude that salvation is attained through the experience of personal growth.

Jesus is honoured as a God-filled human who demonstrated redemptive love. Other master teachers, such as the Buddha and Moses, are also honoured. Some Unitarian Universalists are theistic and have a strong faith in God, while others do not. Many speak instead of reverence for life.

Religious Elements

Scriptural and Doctrinal Sources

• The Bible is used as an educational tool and is respected as much as the Scriptures of other religions.

• Specific books of the Bible that are emphasized are those of the prophets Amos, Hosea and Isaiah, who spoke of justice for the oppressed.

• Writings of other religions, philosophical and scientific writings, poetry and literature also influence rational and spiritual beliefs.

Sacraments

• There are no specific sacraments, although baptism is common.

• Other special services may include weddings, the naming or dedication of children, and funeral rites.

Moral Code

• The moral code is found in the Universalist Unitarian by-laws:

• Affirm the inherent worth and dignity of each person.
• Promote justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
• Accept one another and encourage spiritual growth in congregations.
• Promote a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
• Respect the interdependent web of existence of which all are a part.
• Use the democratic process within congregations and society.

Houses of Worship

• Some structures are in the style of standard Western Christian churches, while others are multipurpose buildings with halls suitable for group gatherings and services.

Devotional Practices and Services

• Those interested affirm membership by signing their name on a membership card or in a membership book at a local parish.

• The flaming chalice is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Some congregations may light a chalice before beginning the service as a symbol of unity between the members of the congregation and the spirit of the Church’s work. It is a symbol of the helpfulness and sacrifice that distinguishes the Church.

• Worship services do not have a set form but may consist of study of ancient texts (such as the Bible), affirmation of acceptance of all faiths, and discussion.

Clergy, Organization and Government

• The government is congregational: the church is directed by the members of its congregation.

• The Universalist Unitarian Association has a General Assembly of congregations that meets once a year.

• The General Assembly discusses reports presented at the meeting, items referred from the previous meeting, proposed amendments to by-laws and other related matters.

• Ministers are called and ordained by the congregations and registered under provincial laws by the Canadian Unitarian Council.

Propagation of the Faith

• Unitarian Universalists provide brochures and information to those who are interested in understanding their faith.

Major Celebrations and Observances

Dates on which events are celebrated may vary from year to year and from congregation to congregation.

Days of Regular Observance

• Weekly meetings.

• Flower Communion (each member brings a flower and leaves with another flower): once annually.

• Thanksgiving Day: second Monday in October; may be celebrated on Sunday.

Special Observances

The Unitarian Universalist Church observes many religious holidays from a variety of religions, including the following:

• Christmas (Christian): 25 December.

• Easter (Christian).

• Passover (Jewish).

• Divali (Hindu).

• Sharing of Faith ceremony: once a year.

Dress Requirements

• None

Dietary Requirements

• Some may be vegetarian, but this is not a requirement.

Medical and Health Requirements

• The Church may support euthanasia.

• The Church supports abortion rights.

Death and Burial

• Individuals decide on death and funeral rites; cremation and burial are both acceptable.

Sources of Additional Information

http://www.uua.org — official website of the Unitarian Universalist Association in the United States.

http://www.cuc.ca — official website of the Canadian Unitarian Council.

Canadian Unitarian Council
55 Eglinton Avenue East
Suite 705
Toronto, ON M4P 1G8
Phone: (416) 489-4121