Introduction to Unitarian Universalism and UUSS

Roger Jones

What is Unitarian Universalism now?

  1. An association of 1,038 autonomous congregations in the US & Canada.
  2. A non-creedal religious movement which promotes freedom of conscience, tolerance of differences, respect for diversity, the practices of reasoning together and compassion.
  3. A community of free minds and open hearts who commit generously to the hard work of democratic governance, mutual support, and continuous learning from one another.
  4. An institution dedicated to enhancing individual dignity and promoting spiritual growth.

What was it originally?

Two ancient Christian heresies: Unitarianism (Arianism, the humanity of Jesus); Universalism (Arminianism, universal salvation).

UU Heritage

  1. European History
    1531 Michael Servetus published On the Errors of the Trinity (burned at stake 1553)
    1585 Polish Socinians founded Rakow press, the 1st official Unitarian press
    1568 King John Sigismund of Transylvania issues Edict of Religious Toleration
    1654 John Biddle, founder British Unitarianism, banished to Scilly Islands
    1723 Theophilus Lindsey born; 1733 Joseph Priestly born, immigrated to US 1794
    1750 British Evangelist James Relly becomes independent Universalist preacher
  2. New England Origins
    1. 1805 Unitarian/Puritan Controversy: elite, educated, formal
      1819 “Unitarian Christianity” sermon preached by Wm Ellery Channing
      1836 Emerson publishes Nature; Theodore Parker, Margaret Fuller, Elizabeth Peabody, transcendentalism direct intuition, individualism, social reform
    2. Universalist movement: rural, uneducated/self-taught, very pious & spirited
      1770 widowed Englander John Murray’s boat ran ashore in NJ, where Thomas Potter awaited a minister to preach a distinctive Christian message;
      Anti-Calvinist in theology: 1805 Hosea Ballou’s Treatise on Atonement
  3. Westward Movement
    1. 1844 Meadville Theological School founded in Western PA; 1926 moved to Chicago
    2. 1870s-1920s: Iowa Sisterhood: liberal women ministers established Untitarian churches in Midwest & plains states (e.g., Mary A. Safford, Eleanor Gordon)
    3. 1834 Wm Greenleaf Eliot took Unitarianism to St. Louis, founded Wash. Univ.
    4. 1860-64 Thomas Starr King, New England Universalist, came to San Fran’s 1st Unitarian; saved CA for the Union, raised $1.5 million for precursor to Red Cross.
    5. 1904 Starr King School for the Ministry founded in Berkeley, CA
  4. Radicals, Conservatives & Religious Humanism
    1. 1857 radical New England Unitarians formed the Free Religious Assn.
    2. 1852 Unitarian missionaries formed Western Unitarian Assn., Chicago; its anti-creedal leaders made it theologically radical in 1870s-80s
    3. 1894 harmony achieved by unanimous declaration of non-creedalism
    4. 1933: The Humanist Manifesto signed by academics & Unitarian clergy
    5. 1916-38 Humanist leader John Dietrich served 1st Unitarian, Minneapolis

    5. UU Action and UU Governance

  5. Social Action — personal crusades or institutional stands, inspired by UU principles
    1. 1800s: leaders of abolitionist, women’s suffrage, and temperance movements
    2. 1917: Theologian Clarence Skinner’s Declaration of Social Principles adopted by Universalist denomination; he calls for “a this-worldly Universalism”
    3. 1930s-40s refugee & relief efforts by Service Committees of both denominations
    4. 1950-90s activism: civil liberties, civil rights, Vietnam War protests, conscientious objector help, now more women in ministry than any other denomination, abortion rights, lesbian/gay rights, human rights worldwide
    5. Beacon Press, owned by the UUA, publishes books relevant to UU purposes
  6. The UUA Merger, the Statement of Principles & Purposes, and Further Additions
    1. 1930s first of many merger talks occur; some denominational programs merge
    2. 1961 formal merger of American Unitarian Association & Universalist Church in America;
    3. 1963 blue UUA hymnal published: Hymns for the Celebration of Life
    4. 1984, 1985: UUA General Assemblies adopt Principles & Purposes and the corollary list of the Sources of UUism as we know it
    5. 1993 gray UUA hymnal published: Singing the Living Tradition
    6. 1995 a close vote at GA adds “earth-based traditions” to list of sources of UUism
  7. Organization of UUSS — Reflecting the UU Tradition of Congregational Polity
    1. 1850 first Unitarian meetings in Sacramento; 1865: $100,000 raised for Unitarian outreach in N. California. First Unitarian Church of Sacramento founded 1868 with 17 families. 1873-87 no records of church activity!
    2. 1892 First Unitarian Society founded. From 1901-11, minimal church activity! In 1915 church built: 1415 27th St., Midtown.
    3. 1960 church moved to new, modern campus, buildings designed by John Harvey Carter at 2425 Sierra Blvd. Planned sanctuary building never built.
    4. From 1971-83 Rev. Ted Webb served, is now minister emeritus. 1976 name changed to Society. 1982 the world religions banners hung. 2000 Rev. Doug Kraft called by congregational vote. 2008 Board of Trustees hired Roger Jones as Family Minister.
    5. Budget of revenues/expenses approved at every May congregational meeting; month-to-month business is entrusted to elected volunteer Board of Trustees
    6. Funding for our staff, programs, and services comes from pledged donations by members & friends, fundraising events, visitors’ offerings, and rental revenue.
    7. UUSS is a member of Pacific Central District and the Unitarian Universalist Association; we provide annual dues to District & UUA (about $100/member)
    8. UUSS sends delegates to General Assembly in late June: 2010 in Minneapolis.

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