Why Unitarian?

Why I am a Unitarian

I have always been interested in learning about religion and people's faith. When I began to think about becoming part of a spiritual group, I knew I was looking for a community that respected many belief systems and lifestyles, but was uncertain whether I could find such a place.

I spent some time working with children in a village school in Nepal, where I learnt a lot from people about the importance of faith in their lives and tolerance for those of other cultural traditions. A little later on, I was back in my local library and looking at the religious section. Tucked on to a shelf was a book about Unitarianism. I started reading and was very interested to discover how much freedom of thought was encouraged, whilst being united by shared values. I soon realised that I had long been a Unitarian without knowing it!

The year before last I went to Boston to visit some Unitarian Universalist churches and then on to a Unitarian Universalist (UU) music course. We sang songs embracing many cultures and had some great discussions. I knew that I wanted to find a Unitarian community when I returned. When I moved to Bristol I started to attend UMB and received a really warm welcome. I enjoyed the Civic Inter Faith Celebration where people from many faith communities joined together to learn about each otherʼs journeys. I look forward to the future as part of this excellent diverse, inclusive and fascinating movement.
~ Julia Lambert

How I became a Unitarian

In 1970 I arrived in Bristol, after three years in Baghdad, with my three year old son, four suitcases containing mostly blankets and books and £60 in the whole world. I had no home, work, or nursery and no family support.

One of my first actions was to rejoin the Workers Educational Association (WEA) committee and there I met Frances Long of Unitarian Meeting Bristol. She suggested that I join her church so that we could see more of each other than just at committee meetings. It was Easter. I went to Oakfield Road Church. Frances was not there. I walked into a church full of strangers and left at the end of the service thoroughly won over to Unitarianism by the service and the reception I had received.

Since the closure of Oakfield Road I have worshipped at Frenchay Chapel and then at Unitarian Meeting Bristol, where the congregation has become my second family. I have tried to repay my “debt” by taking on various secretarial posts connected with both UMB and the Western Union.
~ Ray Raitt

Why I am a Unitarian

It has taken me a long time to realise that I have always been a Unitarian in thought and vision! I have never been happy with the dogma and strict parameters of the main Christian Churches, who require their members to believe as they have decided - even millennia ago.

The freedom to explore, to learn from kindred spirits and to develop one’s own credo is a refreshing change to one who has argued with Articles, Papal infallibility etc.

I appreciate the warmth at Frenchay, the inclusive nature of the worship there and the beauty of the building with its peace and dignity. I realise of course that one should not choose a faith by the historical air or beauty of a particular chapel, but it does so help to quieten the mind and strengthen ones resolve! The services appear simple but actually contain much to ponder over, and ideals to help direct one’s life for the better. Thank you Lindy.

The historical struggle to achieve freedom in worship is an interesting aspect to me in being a Unitarian. The century between 1750 and 1850 is fascinating, and by reading of the ministers and laity then, I am coming to appreciate the bravery and determination of early Unitarians who led to way for me to follow, think and learn in my turn.
~ Carla Contractor

But how can you be Unitarian and Wiccan?

It all depends if you think religion is about belief, values, or practice (or all three). Personally I believe in very similar ideas to many Unitarians with whom I have discussed theology (even Unitarian Christians). I believe that Jesus was a very special human being (along with Buddha, Gandhi, St Francis, Symmachus, and many other mystics and social activists). I believe that he carried the Divine spark, as each one of us do; perhaps his flame was a little brighter. I also believe that his values—of inclusivity, care, equality, community, and honouring diversity—were the most important thing about him, and that these values are what will save humanity from war, poverty and famine. So that’s why I am a Unitarian—I had a mystical encounter with him, and felt that his values were my values, and that Unitarianism puts those values into practice more effectively than many other forms of Christianity. At the same time I was reading a lot of liberation theology and queer Christian theology, all of which resonated strongly with me. I also believe (again in common with many Unitarians) that the Divine is in everything: the trees, the flowers, the Earth, you and me.

I am a Wiccan (and have been since 1991) because I believe that the Divine has one substance and many forms and faces, and I choose to honour it through Nature and through pagan mythology and the cycle of seasonal festivals. The values and beliefs of Wicca are also about inclusivity, tolerance, freedom and the wisdom of experience. Wicca honours both male and female forms of the Divine.

Both Unitarianism and Wicca celebrate being alive, present in this world and in this moment. Both agree that other religions are valid paths for those who choose them, and want to celebrate both individuality and community. And Unitarianism has included pagan elements since at least 1850, if not earlier (see The Larger View by Vernon Marshall). Unitarianism is inclusive towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, which is very important to me, because I am bisexual and have many LGBT friends.
~ Yvonne Aburrow

A call to new pastures
I have recently become a Unitarian, as I felt a call towards an alternative away from the established main-stream. Religion as a whole can be and is so dogmatic, there comes a point where you realise that when you know you are called to give something to ministry, and it appears that there are doors that appear closed, you can be sure in the strength of faith, to know that when the door closes the divine opens another to you with the call.
Karl

Why I am a Unitarian by members of other UK Unitarian communities