Unitarian Universalism has a deep and diverse history, dating back to 
sixteenth century Transylvania (our Unitarian side) and to eighteenth 
century America (our Universalist roots in this country). As Mark Harris 
writes in his pamphlet, "Unitarian Universalist Origins: Our Historic Faith,"
people who expressed a belief "in free human will and the loving benevolence 
of God, eventually became Unitarian. During the first four decades of the
nineteenth century, hundreds of congregational churches fought over ideas 
about sin and salvation, and especially over the doctrine of the Trinity. In
1819, Unitarian minister William Ellery Channing delivered a sermon called 
'Unitarian Christianity' and helped to give the Unitarians a strong 
platform. Six years later the American Unitarian Association was organized 
in Boston, Massachusetts."

Of our Universalist history, Harris writes, "From its beginnings, 
Universalism challenged its members to reach out and embrace people whom 
society often marginalized. The Gloucester church included a freed slave 
among its charter members, and the Universalists became the first denomination 
to ordain women to the ministry, beginning in 1863 with Olympia Brown. 
Universalism was a more evangelical faith than Unitarianism. After officially 
organizing in 1793, the Universalists spread their faith across the eastern 
United States and Canada," promoting the belief that all people are the 
children of God, rather than a chosen few.


The links on these pages will tell you more of the story of Unitarian Universalism; 
introduce you to some of the most famous Unitarian Universalists, 
both those of days past and present; and provide you with sites where you can 
learn much more about this rich faith which embodies many strands of Judeo- 
Christian teachings and the influences of the world's great religious traditions.


UU Origins: Our Historic Faith 

Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography 

Famous UUs 

Photos of UU Leaders 

Notable American Unitarians Project