Download - The New UU An introduction to Unitarianism and Universalism and the Unitarian Church of Edmonton
The New UUThe New UU
An introduction to An introduction to Unitarianism and Unitarianism and
Universalism and the Universalism and the Unitarian Church of EdmontonUnitarian Church of Edmonton
The New UU- OverviewThe New UU- Overview
Session 1:Session 1: Sessions will end by 2 p.m. or soonerSessions will end by 2 p.m. or sooner The Personal: sharing names and The Personal: sharing names and
stories of why we came to this stories of why we came to this churchchurch
The Past: A quick and entertaining The Past: A quick and entertaining tour through five centuries of tour through five centuries of Unitarian and Universalist historyUnitarian and Universalist history
The New UU- OverviewThe New UU- Overview
Session 2- Next week:Session 2- Next week: The Principles: A look at the The Principles: A look at the
Principles and Sources of Principles and Sources of UnitarianismUnitarianism
The Present: A look at this The Present: A look at this congregation, how it works and who congregation, how it works and who the leaders are.the leaders are.
The PersonalThe Personal
Please tell us your name,Please tell us your name, A little about your religious/spiritual A little about your religious/spiritual
background, andbackground, and Why you are continuing to visit this Why you are continuing to visit this
congregation.congregation.
The PastThe Past
Core ideas of Unitarianism and Universalism Core ideas of Unitarianism and Universalism date to earliest days of Christianitydate to earliest days of Christianity
Unitarian: belief in the oneness of God instead Unitarian: belief in the oneness of God instead of a trinity. Jesus may be special, but is not of a trinity. Jesus may be special, but is not God – ArianusGod – Arianus
Universalist: belief that all will be saved; that a Universalist: belief that all will be saved; that a loving God cannot damn his creation to eternal loving God cannot damn his creation to eternal punishment- Origenpunishment- Origen
Early Christian BeliefEarly Christian Belief
Early Christians pretty Early Christians pretty loose with beliefsloose with beliefs
Church Fathers ranged Church Fathers ranged all over the mapall over the map
Constantine calls Constantine calls Council of Nicea in 325 Council of Nicea in 325 CE to settle fixed CE to settle fixed doctrinedoctrine
Council of NiceaCouncil of Nicea
325 CE325 CE Adopted Creed by Adopted Creed by
narrow marginnarrow margin Belief in divine JesusBelief in divine Jesus Belief in resurrectionBelief in resurrection Belief in divine Belief in divine
judgementjudgement Belief in Holy Spirit Belief in Holy Spirit
(Trinity)(Trinity)
The ReformationThe Reformation
1519 Luther nails 95 1519 Luther nails 95 Theses to church door Theses to church door
Religious revolution as Religious revolution as church corruption church corruption spread through Europespread through Europe
But how much change But how much change is okay?is okay?
Radical ReformationRadical Reformation
Luther wanted to end corruption and limit Luther wanted to end corruption and limit power of priests: “Priesthood of all believers” power of priests: “Priesthood of all believers”
All authority came only from reading the Bible All authority came only from reading the Bible ‘Sola Scriptura’. Thanks to Guttenberg printed ‘Sola Scriptura’. Thanks to Guttenberg printed Bibles were increasingly available.Bibles were increasingly available.
Calvin wanted to reform church structuresCalvin wanted to reform church structures More radical reformers wanted FREEDOM for More radical reformers wanted FREEDOM for
open discussions of basic doctrineopen discussions of basic doctrine
Michael ServetusMichael Servetus
Spanish lawyer, physician, Spanish lawyer, physician, theologiantheologian
Applied REASON to Applied REASON to theologytheology
Wrote “On the Errors of the Wrote “On the Errors of the Trinity” (1519): The Trinity Trinity” (1519): The Trinity is not Biblicalis not Biblical
Arrested by French Arrested by French Inquisition, sentenced to Inquisition, sentenced to death- escapesdeath- escapes
Michael ServetusMichael Servetus
Flees to Geneva Flees to Geneva thinking John Calvin thinking John Calvin will see the light.will see the light.
Immediately arrested by Immediately arrested by Calvin who guides his Calvin who guides his prosecutionprosecution
Burned at the stake, Burned at the stake, 15531553
Sets off Toleration Sets off Toleration DebateDebate
John Calvin
Unitarianism SpreadsUnitarianism Spreads
Italy gets too warm for Italy gets too warm for Giorgio Biandrata who Giorgio Biandrata who travels to Poland in travels to Poland in 1558.1558.
Meets other Unitarian Meets other Unitarian thinkers and becomes thinkers and becomes first leader of Minor first leader of Minor Reform Church Reform Church
Leaves for Transylvania Leaves for Transylvania in 1563in 1563
PolandPoland
Faustus Socinus follows Faustus Socinus follows Biandrata. Movement Biandrata. Movement often called Socinianism often called Socinianism or Polish Bretherenor Polish Bretheren
Rakow community Rakow community builds, first Unitarian builds, first Unitarian printing press and printing press and catechismcatechism
Counter reformation kills Counter reformation kills Polish church by 1660 Polish church by 1660
TransylvaniaTransylvania
Biandrata at Transylvanian court by 1563. Biandrata at Transylvanian court by 1563. Influences queen mother and priest named Influences queen mother and priest named
Francis David. David became court preacher Francis David. David became court preacher to young King John Sigismund.to young King John Sigismund.
King supports idea of religious toleration- land King supports idea of religious toleration- land caught between Islam and Christianity! caught between Islam and Christianity!
Summons Diet of Torda – a great debateSummons Diet of Torda – a great debate
Diet of TordaDiet of Torda
Edict of TolerationEdict of Toleration
““in every place the preachers shall preach and in every place the preachers shall preach and explain the Gospel each according to his explain the Gospel each according to his understanding of it, and if the congregation understanding of it, and if the congregation like, well; if not, no one shall compel them, like, well; if not, no one shall compel them, but they shall keep the preachers whose but they shall keep the preachers whose doctrine they approve… faith is the gift of doctrine they approve… faith is the gift of God, this comes from hearing, and hearing by God, this comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”the word of God.”
Freedom, Reason, ToleranceFreedom, Reason, Tolerance
Reformation opened doors for quest for Reformation opened doors for quest for religious FREEDOMreligious FREEDOM
Debate began with execution of Servetus in Debate began with execution of Servetus in 1553 for his use of REASON1553 for his use of REASON
Transylvanian Edict of Toleration 1568.Transylvanian Edict of Toleration 1568. Battle for TOLERANCE in Europe would last Battle for TOLERANCE in Europe would last
well into 18well into 18thth century. century. Freedom, reason and tolerance were and are Freedom, reason and tolerance were and are
keys to Unitarianism and Universalismkeys to Unitarianism and Universalism
Spread of ideasSpread of ideas
Unitarianism did not grow as ‘church’ but as Unitarianism did not grow as ‘church’ but as ideas or as an approach to religion, doctrine ideas or as an approach to religion, doctrine and Scripture.and Scripture.
Freedom, reason and tolerance were the Freedom, reason and tolerance were the common links.common links.
Next appearance was in England via teachings Next appearance was in England via teachings of Dutchman James Arminuis (Refugee Poles of Dutchman James Arminuis (Refugee Poles had carried ideas to Sweden and Holland)had carried ideas to Sweden and Holland)
Theophilus LindseyTheophilus Lindsey
Anglican priestAnglican priest Could not sign the Could not sign the
required 39 articlesrequired 39 articles Set up Unitarian Chapel Set up Unitarian Chapel
in London---over Feathers in London---over Feathers Tavern in 1764!Tavern in 1764!
Great friend of Charles Great friend of Charles DickensDickens
Influenced Joseph PriestlyInfluenced Joseph Priestly
Joseph PriestlyJoseph Priestly
Joseph Priestly, minister Joseph Priestly, minister and scientistand scientist
Discovered OxygenDiscovered Oxygen Chased from Chased from
Birmingham Church by Birmingham Church by angry mobangry mob
Moved to Philadelphia Moved to Philadelphia in 1794 in 1794
Founded first US churchFounded first US church
What’s Universalism? Belief that God will
save all from Hell Idea dates to Origen in
3rd century Resurfaced again in
England in 1780’s with James Relly
John Murray Follower of Relly in England Failed at getting movement started Debtor’s Prison, wife and daughter die Gives up religion and England, sails for
America Miracle at Thomas Potter’s farm!
John and Judith Sargent Murray John starts church in
Gloucester MA in 1771 Marries Judith Sargent
who becomes a prominent writer
John preaches Universalism all over eastern seaboard
Hosea Ballou Vermont born son and
brother of Baptist preachers, self-taught Ballou preaches Universalism in 1791
Becomes key leader of church
Universalism spreads like wildfire
Universalism Belief that all will be saved a nice antidote to
contemporary ‘Hell and Damnation’ preaching Appealed mostly to rural folk, members of small
churches over 200,000 by 1830 Weak central organization Established St. Lawrence University seminary in
upstate New York Leaders in anti-slavery and women’s movements Established many churches in Canada: 3 remain
Olympia Brown After much struggle,
Olympia gains admittance to St. Lawrence
First women ordained to Universalist ministry 1863
Suffragette leader who died just before U.S. women won the vote
Clara Barton Universalist activist Founded forerunner of
of Red Cross during Civil War
Julia Ward Howe Universalist
abolitionist Penned ‘Battle Hymn
of Republic’ Credited with founding
Mother’s Day as day for mothers to march for peace
Unitarianism in AmericaUnitarianism in America
Though Priestly Though Priestly began Unitarianism began Unitarianism in Philadelphia in in Philadelphia in 1795, Boston would 1795, Boston would soon be its center soon be its center and still is today.and still is today.
William Ellery ChanningWilliam Ellery Channing
1825 respected 1825 respected Congregationalist Congregationalist minister preaches minister preaches ‘Unitarian Christianity’‘Unitarian Christianity’
Calls for use of reason Calls for use of reason with Biblewith Bible
Discounts miraclesDiscounts miracles Trusts human characterTrusts human character Starts American Starts American
Unitarian AssociationUnitarian Association
Boston UnitarianismBoston Unitarianism
Religion appeals to elite and Harvard educatedReligion appeals to elite and Harvard educated Though rational approach to Christianity is Though rational approach to Christianity is
foremost, most early Unitarians also accept foremost, most early Unitarians also accept universal salvationuniversal salvation
Leaders in public education, abolition, Leaders in public education, abolition, suffrage and temperance movementssuffrage and temperance movements
Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson
Great philosopher began Great philosopher began his career as Unitarian his career as Unitarian ministerminister
Promoted Promoted transcendentalism: transcendentalism: belief in oversoul and belief in oversoul and direct spiritual link to direct spiritual link to GodGod
Great friend of Henry Great friend of Henry David ThoreauDavid Thoreau
Theodore ParkerTheodore Parker
Radical preacher even Radical preacher even by Unitarian standardsby Unitarian standards
Abolitionist leader Abolitionist leader jailed for harbouring jailed for harbouring fugitive slavesfugitive slaves
Preached to 3,000 at a Preached to 3,000 at a time in a Boston theatretime in a Boston theatre
Margaret FullerMargaret Fuller
Leading literary figure Leading literary figure in Emerson and Parker’s in Emerson and Parker’s BostonBoston
Edited noted literary Edited noted literary journal ‘Dial’journal ‘Dial’
Married an Italian Married an Italian count. Family was lost count. Family was lost at sea while returning to at sea while returning to USUS
Unitarianism in 19Unitarianism in 19thth century US century US
Seen to be faith of reasoned intellectualsSeen to be faith of reasoned intellectuals Thomas Jefferson “content to be a Unitarian Thomas Jefferson “content to be a Unitarian
on my own” thought it would become national on my own” thought it would become national religion of Enlightenment Americareligion of Enlightenment America
Leaders in many social justice causesLeaders in many social justice causes Believed they could perfect the worldBelieved they could perfect the world Strong in New England, Illinois and Strong in New England, Illinois and
California, but weak elsewhereCalifornia, but weak elsewhere
Unitarianism in the 20th CenturyUnitarianism in the 20th Century
World War I was a blow to the dream of a World War I was a blow to the dream of a perfected world. ‘God is dead’ movement perfected world. ‘God is dead’ movement drains faith. Religion loses members.drains faith. Religion loses members.
1930’s rationalists compose Humanist 1930’s rationalists compose Humanist Manifesto pushing Unitarianism further away Manifesto pushing Unitarianism further away from Christian roots. Services become very from Christian roots. Services become very austereaustere
Strong central organization at ’25’ keeps Strong central organization at ’25’ keeps church alive.church alive.
Universalism in the 20th Century WWI hurts Universalism, more than
Unitarianism. Strong faith in the Golden City shattered by war and depression.
Weak central church unable to give financial help.
Churches close by the score and denominational finances erode.
Universalism in Canada Several Universalist congregations were
founded in Canada in 19th century, mostly by Americans near the border
Today only three remain: Halifax, Olinda, ON and North Hatley, PQ
Merging DenominationsMerging Denominations
Unitarianism and Universalism had long Unitarianism and Universalism had long recognized similar approaches to faith, reason recognized similar approaches to faith, reason and scripture. Merger negotiations begin.and scripture. Merger negotiations begin.
1960 American Unitarian Association and 1960 American Unitarian Association and Universalist Church of America decide to Universalist Church of America decide to merge into Unitarian Universalist Associationmerge into Unitarian Universalist Association
Unitarian Universalist AssociationUnitarian Universalist Association
Unitarianism brought Unitarianism brought rational humanismrational humanism
Universalism brought Universalism brought heart and a sense of heart and a sense of spirituality.spirituality.
Merged denomination Merged denomination now has 260,000 now has 260,000 members in over 1000 members in over 1000 congregationscongregations
Unitarianism comes to CanadaUnitarianism comes to Canada 1832 British and US 1832 British and US
Unitarians finally Unitarians finally establish Montreal establish Montreal congregation.congregation.
John Molson was a key John Molson was a key founder…yes, that John founder…yes, that John MolsonMolson
British didn’t want an British didn’t want an American minister. Yanks American minister. Yanks didn’t want a Brit. Called didn’t want a Brit. Called John Cordner – from John Cordner – from Belfast.Belfast.
Unitarianism in CanadaUnitarianism in Canada
Toronto Church Toronto Church founded in 1843 by founded in 1843 by Workman brothers Workman brothers from Montreal.from Montreal.
Founding member Founding member was Emily Jennings was Emily Jennings Stowe who would Stowe who would become first woman become first woman physician in Canadaphysician in Canada
Joseph WorkmanJoseph Workman
One of the founders One of the founders of the Toronto Churchof the Toronto Church
Father of modern Father of modern psychiatry in Canadapsychiatry in Canada
Pioneered humane Pioneered humane treatment of inmates treatment of inmates at Queen Street at Queen Street AsylumAsylum
Spreading UnitarianismSpreading Unitarianism
Montreal, 1832Montreal, 1832 Toronto, 1845Toronto, 1845 Ottawa, 1898Ottawa, 1898 Hamilton, 1899Hamilton, 1899 Vancouver, 1909Vancouver, 1909 Edmonton, 1911-1954Edmonton, 1911-1954 Calgary, 1904-1957Calgary, 1904-1957
1950’s start of 1950’s start of Fellowship Fellowship movement: Victoria, movement: Victoria,
Waterloo, Saskatoon, Waterloo, Saskatoon, Regina, Toronto, Regina, Toronto, Pointe Claire, etcPointe Claire, etc
1980’s more spin off 1980’s more spin off starts: Westwood, starts: Westwood, Coquitlam, West Coquitlam, West Vancouver etc.Vancouver etc.
Unitarian Service CommitteeUnitarian Service Committee Founded by Romanian Founded by Romanian
refugee Lotta refugee Lotta Hitschmanova during Hitschmanova during WWIIWWII
Relief agency in Europe, Relief agency in Europe, later in Third Worldlater in Third World
Made ‘56 Sparks Street’ Made ‘56 Sparks Street’ one of the most famous one of the most famous addresses in Canadaaddresses in Canada
Our best ambassador in Our best ambassador in 50’s and 60’s50’s and 60’s
Ties still close with USC Ties still close with USC CanadaCanada
Unitarianism in EdmontonUnitarianism in Edmonton
Congregation Congregation founded in 1911 by founded in 1911 by liberal Edmontoniansliberal Edmontonians
Charles Francis Charles Francis Potter was the first Potter was the first minister 1914-1916minister 1914-1916
Anti-war views got Anti-war views got him into trouble with him into trouble with W.H. AlexanderW.H. Alexander
Unitarianism in EdmontonUnitarianism in Edmonton
Alexander fights Potter over prayers for Alexander fights Potter over prayers for soldiers, Potter resignssoldiers, Potter resigns
Alexander takes on major load of Alexander takes on major load of leadership duties including Sunday leadership duties including Sunday worship and preaching at Garneau worship and preaching at Garneau Community HallCommunity Hall
Alexander retires to U.S. Following a brief Alexander retires to U.S. Following a brief ministry (Carl Storm, 1934-36) ministry (Carl Storm, 1934-36) congregation disbandscongregation disbands
Unitarianism in EdmontonUnitarianism in Edmonton
IN 1950 Dick Morton tries IN 1950 Dick Morton tries to restart congregationto restart congregation
BY 1954 AUA helps bring BY 1954 AUA helps bring Edmonton born Charles Edmonton born Charles Eddis back to become Eddis back to become first minister. first minister.
First years again in First years again in basement of Garneau basement of Garneau United Community HallUnited Community Hall
Members financed own Members financed own building in 1964building in 1964 Charles Eddis in 2001
Unitarianism in EdmontonUnitarianism in Edmonton
110 Avenue Church
Starting WestwoodStarting Westwood
During tensions with Rev. Rob Brownlie in During tensions with Rev. Rob Brownlie in late 1970’s, a small group spun off a small late 1970’s, a small group spun off a small congregation that did not survive.congregation that did not survive.
In 1981 UCE and Rev. Brownlie planned a In 1981 UCE and Rev. Brownlie planned a new positive start. Westwood new positive start. Westwood Congregation was begun by UCE Congregation was begun by UCE members.members.
WestwoodWestwood
11135 65th Avenue
WestwoodWestwood
UCE and WestwoodUCE and Westwood
Very close relationship Very close relationship between congregationsbetween congregations
Worked together to Worked together to support 5 Intern Ministers support 5 Intern Ministers since 1999.since 1999.
During Internship During Internship program Westwood has program Westwood has grown from 30 to over grown from 30 to over 100 members.100 members.
Now seeking permanent Now seeking permanent part-time ministerpart-time minister
Unitarianism in CanadaUnitarianism in Canada
Founded in 1960 as UUA formedFounded in 1960 as UUA formed
Concern that Canadians needed their own voice Concern that Canadians needed their own voice in social justice matters and in issues of concern in social justice matters and in issues of concern to Canadiansto Canadians
CUCCUC
Existed as a volunteer run operationExisted as a volunteer run operation
Board of Trustees elected annually at Annual Board of Trustees elected annually at Annual Meeting in MayMeeting in May
First Executive Director, Kathleen Hunter hired in First Executive Director, Kathleen Hunter hired in 1984 after 23 years. Mary Bennett is current ED1984 after 23 years. Mary Bennett is current ED
Congregations – not individuals- are members.Congregations – not individuals- are members.
Operations financed by per member dues ($87 Operations financed by per member dues ($87 per year) and endowment.per year) and endowment.
CUCCUC
1998 Canadians 1998 Canadians began to perceive began to perceive need for autonomy need for autonomy from UUA. from UUA.
Dissatisfaction with Dissatisfaction with service delivery levelsservice delivery levels
2001 CUC votes on 2001 CUC votes on autonomy proposal. autonomy proposal. 85% in favour.85% in favour.
CUCCUC
CUC Transition team plans for new, autonomous CUC, 2001-02
Regions and RiNGSRegions and RiNGS
Service delivery plan divides Canada into Service delivery plan divides Canada into Atlantic, Central, Western and BC RegionsAtlantic, Central, Western and BC RegionsTwo full time Directors of Regional Two full time Directors of Regional Services manage teams of volunteer Services manage teams of volunteer consultants and networkersconsultants and networkersOne full time Director of Lifespan Learning One full time Director of Lifespan Learning provides educational servicesprovides educational servicesFive years later, plan has exceeded Five years later, plan has exceeded expectations.expectations.
CUCCUC
Adopting the Plan, Kelowna, 2002
CUCCUC
Singing ‘One More Step’
CUC founders Charles Eddis and Phillip Hewett light the Kelowna Chalice