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