History

Unitarianism started in the 16th Century in Transylvania and Poland - the movement grew out of the Protestant Reformation at that time. The first Unitarian congregation in the UK was in the 18th century in Essex and there are now about 7000 Unitarians in the UK.

Unitarianism is a very open-minded and individualistic approach to religion. While the religion has its roots in Christian and Jewish principles, it actively encourages insights from all aspects of religion and culture. Religious freedom in all members is encouraged so that each may find their own path to life's meaning. Unitarians share values rather than a creed, and each is responsible for their own path to fulfill those values.

Each congregation is independent and chooses its own minister and premises. The Unitarians were the first church in the UK to accept female ministers in the early part of the 20th Century.

Beliefs

Unitarianism has no standard set of beliefs, more a general set of principles.

Unitarians believe in the One God, and do not believe in the Holy Trinity.

Unitarians welcome homosexuals into their church, and  also firmly believe in gender equality. They actively support equal rights both in the church and in the wider world.

They believe that diversity is valuable in the world and are sceptical about one single group or religion possessing the truth.

Unitarians support religious freedom of thought. They believe that an individual's religion should be based on rational thought and personal conscience.

They reject the idea of Original Sin and believe that all human beings are potentially good.

Links

Find out more about Unitarianism at http://www.unitarian.org.uk

Locally

There is a Unitarian church in Padiham.  Their website is located at http://www.padiham-unitarians.org.uk