FIRST CHURCH AND ITS DENOMINATIONS

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION

The First Church in Sterling has the unusual distinction of belonging to three different denominations at the same time—combining the traditions of three separate churches in the town: Unitarian, Baptist and Congregational. Our church history, “From One to Three to One”, tells the story of how this came about.

Here in Sterling in 1949, the lay and minis­terial leadership of two church­es agreed on a bold and courageous step: a congrega­tion of Baptists and Congregationalists would unite with a congregation of Unitarians. People on both sides questioned it then, and some still do. (One outspoken Unitarian, who later changed his mind, had called it "a house of cards that would not last".)

It has lasted because of a spirit of goodwill and compromise that began then and continues today. In 1949, Rev. Reubens Hadley advised his Unitarian flock that sharing communion with Baptists and Congregationalists would not hurt them, and likewise that they should go ahead and sing the trinitarian Gloria Patri. The B's and C's, on the other hand, would worship under the gilded Unitarian motto, "One God and Father of All", sing a non-trinitarian doxology, and say a Unitarian Covenant ("In the love of truth and the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of humankind.").

We are one of over 60 churches in the Clara Barton District (Central and Western Mass. and most of Conn.), part of more than 1,000 congregations and fellowships in North America that make up the modern day Unitarian Universalist Association. Within the broader context of American Protestantism, these churches have been a pioneer movement. Historically, many of the positions they have taken and causes they have espoused have been adopted by others years later. We all owe them more of a debt than we recognize.

Out of this faith understanding came an outpouring of creativity and important social leadership in America. Names like Thomas Jefferson, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Clara Barton (a Universalist from North Oxford, Mass.) only scratch the surface of what the denomination has contributed to the common life. The UU Service Committee serves as a modern vehicle for practical humanitarian outreach and social change around the world.

Historically, they have led the way in such areas as promoting equal rights for women and in affirming the full human rights of homosexuals. (The United Church of Christ is the only other major U.S. denomination to officially take a position in support of the full inclusion of homosexuals in the church as well as in society.) Perhaps most clearly, UU's have pioneered in the area of dialogue among world religions still an almost untouched area for many churches, but one which presses in upon us all in the global village.

But just what is Unitarianism, anyway? Historically, it was a response to the rigid, authoritarian style and Calvinist theology of early New England Congregational churches. Calvinism had its famous "five points": total depravity (complete sinfulness of every person); unconditional election (God simply chooses who will be saved); limited atonement (Christ's death was only for the elect); irresistable grace (those whom God chooses to save will respond); and perseverance of the saints (once saved, always saved).

In response, Unitarianism developed its own very different five points, which years ago were known to every Sunday School student: the fatherhood of God; the brotherhood of man; the leadership of Jesus; salvation by character; the progress of mankind onward and upward forever. This classic Unitarianism was a liberal form of Christianity, emphasizing innate goodness rather than sinfulness, and the religion of Jesus (his teachings) rather than the religion about Jesus (a figure to be worshipped as God).

This "liberal Christian consensus" prevailed within Unitarianism until about the mid-20th century, though there was a growing tension with those who did not find Christian concepts, or even the idea of God, meaningful. In 1961 there was a merger with the Universalists (another Christian group that had broken with theological orthodoxy) to form the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Since then there has been a veritable explosion of religious experimentation within this new denomination, which has been roughly characterized as sorting itself out into three groups: Christians (the old liberals, more orthodox ecumenical types, and other varieties), theists (who believe generally in God but prefer to draw from all the world religions in eclectic fashion), and humanists (whose value system is not rooted in any belief in God). With the emergence of several new and distinct sub-groups, such as feminists and pagans, even these categories seem inadequate; however, a broad and generally theistic attitude seems to predominate today.

Today, Unitarian Universalism is often described as though it were a new religion especially suited to a secular and pluralistic age. In 1984 a new statement of "Principles and Purposes" was adopted by the denomination, which tries to articulate what it is that holds this diverse group of about 1000 congregations and fellowships together. The movement’s historic roots in Christianity tend to be deemphasized, and its "Principles and Purposes" (see below) tend to function as the de facto creed of an otherwise creedless religion. Along with this trend the denomination is experiencing significant growth.

One may wonder how this "new religion" will evolve over time, and in fact what kind of religion is produced when one dabbles in all of them. Is there not perhaps more value in the spiritual discipline of a particular tradition? This is part of the argument of Christian UU groups today, who are trying to preserve an identity and a rightful place as a minority within the denomination. The UU Christian Fellowship supports study and worship groups around the country and publishes a journal and a newsletter. The Council of Liberal Christian Churches very loosely holds a small number of Christian congregations together within the denomination. Tensions are real, however, and how strong a role Christians will play in the UUA is somewhat uncertain.

To be a Christian within the UUA is exciting, challenging, and sometimes discouraging. It is to affirm both the "love of truth" (free inquiry and independent thinking) and "the spirit of Jesus" (a clear religious tradition that shapes us and calls us beyond ourselves). But while in the minority, we are not alone. There is a creative ferment as Christians try to articulate their faith, and faith itself can only be strengthened in the process. Some UU Christians look in fact to federated churches (as well as to ecumenical organizations) as a bridge to the wider Christian community. We have a role to play in this ever changing scene.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST PRINCIPLES AND PURPOSES

Adopted 1985

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition we share draws from many sources:

Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life

• Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love
• Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life
• Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves
• Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

The Unitarian Universalist Association shall devote its resources to and exercise its corporate powers for religious, educational and humanitarian purposes. The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, and implement its principles.