Welcome to
Unitarian South Africa!
Unitarianism
is an international, inter-faith, non-creedal and non-doctrinal
religion which began in Europe in the 16th century. It is
a thoughtful, richly exploratory, holistic and compassionate way
of being, honouring the sacred, as well as man's finest attributes,
which are encapsulated in our Unitarian principles.
THE UNITARIAN
MOVEMENT was actually named by its opponents because of its belief
in the absolute Oneness of God and its rejection of the orthodox
Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity or Trinitarianism.
Among
the associated beliefs which Unitarians have rejected from the
beginning are the doctrines of original sin, eternal judgment,
and the belief that Jesus is the only path to God. Both
Unitarian Christians and Unitarians of other beliefs revere Jesus
Christ as a great spiritual master. We also hold in esteem
the prophets and spiritual leaders of all other faiths that uphold
honourable and compassionate aspirations for humankind.
We believe deeply in the true brotherhood of man and in our interconnectedness
with all living things. We believe in nurturing the planet. Freed
from the constraints of dogma, we are led by our Unitarian principles
and do our best to abide by them.
FOR THOSE WHO
ARE SEEKING
Many
have become disillusioned with orthodox beliefs and are searching
for a spiritual home. For those who identify with the principles
given above, we offer that home.
Our
discussions are open, honest and deeply exploratory.
We offer a safe environment for thinking, questing people, including
those who are finding their beliefs unsustaining and also those
who have given up on belief entirely.
Among
our members are those from many spiritual groups. We have no polemic
and no desire to convert or persuade. We honour the divine
wherever it may be found.
You
might find the spiritual sustenance you are seeking in our Unitarian
church in Hout Street, Cape Town, or in our fellowships in Durban,
Johannesburg and Somerset West. At any of these, be assured
of a warm welcome.
OUR WEBSITE
Although our website is designed for
those interested in Unitarianism, we offer links to other websites
dealing with a range of differing belief systems.
It is not easy to define a Unitarian
in terms of beliefs, since we can differ so widely. A Unitarian
is rather a 'kind of person', a person who tries to live by the
principles we uphold. People are often therefore 'Unitarian' in
their thinking and their actions even when they have never heard
of us!
Many people beloniging to orthodox
religions also follow the same Seven Unitarian Principles, since
they express what all truly caring, loving people feel as they
seek to make their lives meaningful and their actions honourable
and just. No Unitarian is expected to spurn a faith to which he
or she might be attached by custom or desire and may be both Unitarian
and a member of another spiritual or religious group if he or
she so wishes.
WE WOULD WELCOME YOU
If you are looking for a religious
community in which to seek spiritual growth, if you...
- are
eager to consider religious questions with people who are
not always sure they have the answers;
- would
like the fellowship of others for celebration and worship,
discussion and education, friendship and mutual support;
- want
children to be helped to develop their own religious beliefs;
and
- wish
to preserve and extend the traditions of personal freedom
and human dignity,
you may find what you are seeking
in a Unitarian church or fellowship.
(with acknowledgements to the Canadian
Unitarian Council)
