HISTORY OF THE UNITARIAN CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

The Unitarian Christian Association was founded in 1991, largely at the instigation of the late Lancelot Austin Garrard, a distinguished minister, scholar and theologian, who was Principal of Manchester College, Oxford (now Harris Manchester College) from 1956 to 1965. After his retirement, he continued as an active participant in denominational affairs and in the 1980s (like many of his fellow Unitarian and Free Christians) he became increasingly concerned at what appeared to be a concerted attempt to repudiate the Christian tradition within Unitarianism.

A very generous financial donation on his part enabled the idea of a well-established liberal Christian organisation to become a reality, and the Unitarian Christian Association, a registered charity (No.1017711), was constituted by a Declaration of Trust dated April 3rd 1991. The objects of the Association (now commonly known as 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."

Hymns of Faith and Freedom

The UCA has always been closely connected with the hymnal known as Hymns of Faith and Freedom, first published in 1991, the same year as that in which the UCA was founded, was originally compiled as a private venture by four individual ministers on the roll of the GA, all of whom were at that time supporters of the idea of a Unitarian Christian Association. The hymnal, which the GA at first declined to sponsor, soon became increasingly popular within the Unitarian and Free Christian denomination, and when a second printing was required, it was taken over by the UCA, which is now the formal copyright holder. The UCA also benefits from the profits on its sales.

The hymnal is now regularly used by some 40% of GA congregations. Popularly known and as "the Red Book" it is now recognised by the GA as an acceptable alternative to Hymns for Living, popularly known as "the Green Book" and both hymnals are obtainable from the GA Publicity Department.

GA Affiliation

At the General Assembly Meetings held at Sheffield in April 2002, the Unitarian Christian Association was, by an overwhelming majority, warmly welcomed as an Affiliated Society of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.

Membership

Membership of the Association is open to anyone in sympathy with its aims. Congregations may also apply for Congregational Membership.  Please see the Membership page for more information and contact details.