Unitarianism and Unitarian
congregations in South Africa.

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 SEVEN UNITARIAN PRINCIPLES We uphold the inherent worth and dignity of every human being; justice, equity and compassion in all human relations; a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregations; honest open discussion, the right of conscience, and the use of democratic processes within our congregations and in society at large; the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which all living things are a part.

THE UNITARIAN MOVEMENT was actually named by its opponents ecause 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 judgement, 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)