History

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious tradition that was formed from the consolidation of two different religions: Unitarianism and Universalism. Both began in Europe hundreds of years ago. In America, the Universalist Church of America was founded in 1793, and the American Unitarian Association in 1825. After consolidating in 1961, these faiths became the new religion of Unitarian Universalism through the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Both religions have long histories and have contributed important theological concepts that remain central to Unitarian Universalism. Originally, all Unitarians were Christians who didn't believe in the Holy Trinity of God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), but in the unity, or single aspect, of God. Later, Unitarian beliefs stressed the importance of rational thinking, a direct relationship with God, and the humanity of Jesus. Universalism emerged as a Christian denomination with a central belief in universal salvation; that is, that all people will eventually be reconciled with God.

Since the merger of the two denominations in 1961, Unitarian Universalism has nurtured its Unitarian and Universalist heritages to provide a strong voice for social justice and liberal religion.

To learn more about Unitarian Universalism, please see the pamphlet, "Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith."

For information on past presidents of the Unitarian Universalist Association, please see UUA Past Presidents.

Visit our History in Brief pages to read about notable people and events from our Unitarian Universalist past.

The Unitarian Universalist History and Heritage Society sponsors an online index of hundreds of leading Unitarian Universalists in their Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography (DUUB).