Unitarian Christian Association

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Formed in 1991 as a response to revisionism within the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, the Unitarian Christian Association continues to uphold the original Unitarian Christian tradition of Francis David within the British Unitarian movement. Although a group of Unitarian Christians formed the UCA, its creation was largely due to the efforts of the late Lancelot Austin Garrard - a distinguished Unitarian scholar and theologian.

The aims of the UCA are "to promote Unitarian Christian religion in the congregations of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, to promote religious education within that tradition, to relieve need, hardship or distress of members of the Association, and to undertake any other charitable purpose that may arise." These aims are achieved through publication of The Herald - a journal published every quarter, contributions to Hymns of Faith and Freedom - a Unitarian hymn book, and a series of meetings, lectures and services held each year.

In its early years, the members of the UCA decided that they did not wish to apply for recognition as an official body affiliated to the General Assembly. But after the GA adopted new aims and objects which specifically included "the upholding of the liberal Christian tradition," it was agreed that it would be appropriate to apply for recognition. The Unitarian Christian Association became an Affiliated Society in April 2002.

Despite the clear friendship and warmth between Unitarian Christians and non-Christian Unitarians in the UK, there have been a series a debates within the Association and wider denomination - sometimes heated - over the future of Unitarian Christianity in the United Kingdom, and the UCA's role in its preservation and continued development.

In Spring 2006, a theological colloquium was organised by UCA members to discuss the future of Unitarian / liberal Christianity. A paper is due to be published reporting on the discussions and conclusions from this meeting.

The UCA has within its ranks a number of high-profile Christian scholars, theologians and clergy. Rev Paul Travis, the previous editor of the UCA journal, has lead a number of televised services and Rev Chris Wilson, the current chairman, has taken a lead role in the public debate over secular and faith-based schooling.