Unitarian Universalist History

Image from General Assembly, our annual meeting for business and worship.

Images from Photos of UU Leaders.

Unitarian Universalism has a deep and diverse history, dating back to sixteenth century Transylvania (our Unitarian side) and to eighteenth century America (our Universalist roots in this country). As Mark Harris writes in his pamphlet, "Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith," people who expressed a belief "in free human will and the loving benevolence of God, eventually became Unitarian. During the first four decades of the nineteenth century, hundreds of congregational churches fought over ideas about sin and salvation, and especially over the doctrine of the Trinity. In 1819, Unitarian minister William Ellery Channing delivered a sermon called 'Unitarian Christianity' and helped to give the Unitarians a strong platform. Six years later the American Unitarian Association was organized in Boston, Massachusetts."

Of our Universalist history, Harris writes, "From its beginnings, Universalism challenged its members to reach out and embrace people whom society often marginalized. The Gloucester church included a freed slave among its charter members, and the Universalists became the first denomination to ordain women to the ministry, beginning in 1863 with Olympia Brown. Universalism was a more evangelical faith than Unitarianism. After officially organizing in 1793, the Universalists spread their faith across the eastern United States and Canada," promoting the belief that all people are the children of God, rather than a chosen few.

The links on these pages will tell you more of the story of Unitarian Universalism; introduce you to some of the most famous Unitarian Universalists—both those of days past and present; and provide you with sites where you can learn much more about this rich faith which embodies many strands of Judeo-Christian teachings and the influences of the world's great religious traditions.

• "UU Origins: Our Historic Faith"
• Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography 
• Famous UUs 
• Photos of UU Leaders
• Notable American Unitarians Project 

Unitarian Universalist Association
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