Since our launch we’ve had some great feedback from those excited to see this effort grow. We created the UCA to function as an advocacy group for unitarian theology and to serve as a directory for unitarian Christian groups and individuals. To do this properly and effectively, we must be clear and direct in what we are advocating.
One of the items on our affirmation was preventing some unitarian Christians from joining the UCA. It was in regard to Christ’s future return and establishment of the kingdom on earth. These individuals were willing to put their support behind the goal of promoting unitarian Christian theology, but they did not hold to the same views in regard to eschatology.
While this point about the future establishment of the kingdom on earth is a belief dearly held by each UCA board member, and one they view as central to their faith, the inclusion of this line in the affirmation falls outside the scope of the UCA’s focused mission. If our purpose was to establish a church or singular fellowship then we would do more than keep that line in the affirmation. We would add many more statements which we hold to be essential aspects of a Scripturally-based faith community. Emphasizing all essential theological elements of the Christian faith and life is indeed what a church should do. However, as we have hoped to make clear, the UCA is not a church.
As an advocacy group for unitarian theology, our purpose is to achieve a big-tent, influential movement that provides an alternative to what many churches and denominations have pressured people to believe about God and Jesus (or at least to say that they believe). The UCA therefore represents a unique effort, operating differently than what some might expect. Please understand that the UCA is not dismissing other doctrines as unimportant. The organization is simply focused in its mission to create new momentum around unitarian theology, reversing the tides of scorn heaped upon Christians for their unwillingness to elevate tradition over Scripture.
Being firmly committed to this goal, on January 27 the UCA Board voted to remove that eschatological line from the UCA Affirmation. We feel it is important to explain this change. It should not affect the current membership, since the affirmation is now simply more focused on our one God, the Father, and his human Messiah — the central affirmation to which every member has granted their support.
If you have further questions, feel free to Contact us. We’ve also updated our Frequently Asked Questions to explain in more detail what the UCA is. Specifically see “If it isn’t a church or denomination, what sort of group is it?“
unsung voices of Christian past, producing updated and critical editions of scholarly works which deserve another look.
