American Unitarian Conference
Encyclopedia
The American Unitarian Conference (AUC) was founded in 2000 by several Unitarian Universalists who felt that the Unitarian Universalist Association
(UUA) had become too theologically liberal and too political. They decided their mission was to promote "classical" Unitarianism
, which they argued as being based on Christian beliefs though not solely confined by them. They also hoped their organization would be of interest to non-Christians who embrace generic or philosophical theism
and Deism
.
"Classical Unitarianism," as defined within the AUC has as a main tenet the belief in God
as one person as opposed to trinitarianism which holds to the belief in a God of three persons. Among the classical Unitarian principles that the AUC wishes to promote are the unity and providence of God, the compatibility of faith
and reason
, and the ability of religion
and science
to work together to improve the human condition
.
In classical Unitarian fashion, the AUC does not require adherence to a creed
to become a member. All who are in agreement with the AUC's religious principles, regardless of denominational affiliation or lack thereof, may join. Many of the members consider themselves Unitarian Christians.
The AUC does not take part in political or social activism, in order to accommodate believers with different political beliefs ranging from Libertarianism
to Democratic Socialism
.
, one in Centerville, Ohio
, one in Mineral Point, Missouri
, and one in Oroville, Washington
. The organization is run by volunteers. The AUC maintains a website and publishes a quarterly journal, The American Unitarian. The AUC's motto is "Faith, Freedom, Reason." The AUC website currently also lists AUC Open Door Congregations, congregations within other denominations that have agreed to provide an Open Door for AUC members and their faith tradition, in Owasso, Oklahoma
, Washington, D. C., West Allis, Wisconsin
.
Unitarian Universalist Association
Unitarian Universalist Association , in full the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in North America, is a liberal religious association of Unitarian Universalist congregations formed by the consolidation in 1961 of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of...
(UUA) had become too theologically liberal and too political. They decided their mission was to promote "classical" Unitarianism
Unitarianism
Unitarianism is a Christian theological movement, named for its understanding of God as one person, in direct contrast to Trinitarianism which defines God as three persons coexisting consubstantially as one in being....
, which they argued as being based on Christian beliefs though not solely confined by them. They also hoped their organization would be of interest to non-Christians who embrace generic or philosophical theism
Philosophical theism
Philosophical theism is the belief that God exists independent of the teaching or revelation of any particular religion. It represents belief in a personal God entirely without doctrine...
and Deism
Deism
Deism in religious philosophy is the belief that reason and observation of the natural world, without the need for organized religion, can determine that the universe is the product of an all-powerful creator. According to deists, the creator does not intervene in human affairs or suspend the...
.
"Classical Unitarianism," as defined within the AUC has as a main tenet the belief in God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
as one person as opposed to trinitarianism which holds to the belief in a God of three persons. Among the classical Unitarian principles that the AUC wishes to promote are the unity and providence of God, the compatibility of faith
Faith
Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing, or a belief that is not based on proof. In religion, faith is a belief in a transcendent reality, a religious teacher, a set of teachings or a Supreme Being. Generally speaking, it is offered as a means by which the truth of the proposition,...
and reason
Reason
Reason is a term that refers to the capacity human beings have to make sense of things, to establish and verify facts, and to change or justify practices, institutions, and beliefs. It is closely associated with such characteristically human activities as philosophy, science, language, ...
, and the ability of religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
and science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
to work together to improve the human condition
Human condition
The human condition encompasses the experiences of being human in a social, cultural, and personal context. It can be described as the irreducible part of humanity that is inherent and not connected to gender, race, class, etc. — a search for purpose, sense of curiosity, the inevitability of...
.
In classical Unitarian fashion, the AUC does not require adherence to a creed
Creed
A creed is a statement of belief—usually a statement of faith that describes the beliefs shared by a religious community—and is often recited as part of a religious service. When the statement of faith is longer and polemical, as well as didactic, it is not called a creed but a Confession of faith...
to become a member. All who are in agreement with the AUC's religious principles, regardless of denominational affiliation or lack thereof, may join. Many of the members consider themselves Unitarian Christians.
The AUC does not take part in political or social activism, in order to accommodate believers with different political beliefs ranging from Libertarianism
Libertarianism
Libertarianism, in the strictest sense, is the political philosophy that holds individual liberty as the basic moral principle of society. In the broadest sense, it is any political philosophy which approximates this view...
to Democratic Socialism
Democratic socialism
Democratic socialism is a description used by various socialist movements and organizations to emphasize the democratic character of their political orientation...
.
Congregations
There are four AUC congregations in the United States - one in San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, one in Centerville, Ohio
Centerville, Ohio
Centerville, Ohio is a city in Montgomery and Greene Counties in the U.S. state of Ohio.Centerville, Ohio may also refer to:*Centerville, Gallia County, Ohio*Centerville, Clinton County, Ohio or Lees Creek...
, one in Mineral Point, Missouri
Mineral Point, Missouri
Mineral Point is a village in Washington County, Missouri, United States. The population was estimated at 385 in July 2008. It was 363 at the 2000 census, at which time it was a town.-Geography:Mineral Point is located at ....
, and one in Oroville, Washington
Oroville, Washington
Oroville is a town in Okanogan County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,686 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Oroville is located at ....
. The organization is run by volunteers. The AUC maintains a website and publishes a quarterly journal, The American Unitarian. The AUC's motto is "Faith, Freedom, Reason." The AUC website currently also lists AUC Open Door Congregations, congregations within other denominations that have agreed to provide an Open Door for AUC members and their faith tradition, in Owasso, Oklahoma
Owasso, Oklahoma
Owasso is a city in Rogers and Tulsa counties in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, and a northern suburb of Tulsa. The population was 28,915 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Owasso is located at...
, Washington, D. C., West Allis, Wisconsin
West Allis, Wisconsin
West Allis is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The population was 61,254 at the 2000 census. Its name derives from Edward P. Allis, who started the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company in the 19th century. The site of the town was...
.