Unitarian Christian Community

Below you will find articles, comments, reflections, and messages from our Clergy. We have also listed some recommended books for reading, and links to articles and other media. As we continue to grow and expand our offerings, you will also find videos, podcasts, and events such as online meetups.

What is the 21st Century Message from the UCCA?

The very nature of Unitarianism is diversity. We are definitively a non-creedal people, so we don't ask that people subscribe to any particular system of beliefs the way many of those other 40,000 churches do.

I see our role as sharing our understanding of those original teachings attributed to Jesus as we have them and supporting others in their journeys as they try to incorporate their own understandings of these teachings into their own lives, even insofar as we might differ in our understandings from theirs.

We have a basic framework for consistent messaging: things like one God, the human nature of Jesus, acceptance of all people, and the like. This will naturally attract people with similar mindsets, as there are myriad other options out there for trinitarians or more conservative, institutional religious expressions.

But if a trinitarian wants to listen to what I have to say or simply wants to fellowship, I'm personally not going to take the "You're wrong and I'm right" attitude with that person, you know? I'll speak honestly from my point of view and try to find common ground where we can be conduits for the love of God: strength through whatever unity we can build. Even if someone is loudly against my understanding, as far as my part is concerned, I will try and be peaceable and continue to offer what partnership may be possible. I think that's a core teaching of Jesus that's been lost in our divided world.

My vision of Modern Unitarian Christianity is not one that definitively has all the answers. Part of godly humility, to me, is the ability to say, "I don't know. Heck, I might be wrong. But this is my best understanding right now and it causes me to be a more loving, merciful, and hopeful individual." Maybe that's not the optimal view, but it works for me.

- Rev. Brian Kelley, Executive Pastor, UCCA