What we’re about
Do you think of yourself as 'spiritual but not religious'? This group could be for you!
This is a social group for inspiration and discussion in the Unitarian spirit of tolerance, sharing and hope for the contemporary world. We list events happening in some of the nine Unitarian spiritual communities in Greater London.
Unitarianism is spirituality without dogma. Unitarians value the principles of diversity and equality rather than subscribing to any one particular religion or creed. Unitarianism is an open-minded and individual approach to religion so there is scope for a very wide range of beliefs and doubts.
London Unitarian communities:
Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel - www.rosslynhillchapel.org.uk
Golders Green Unitarians - www.goldersgreenunitarians.org
New-Unity - www.new-unity.org
Kensington Unitarians - www.kensington-unitarians.org.uk
Richmond and Putney Unitarians - www.rpuc.org.uk
Brixton Unitarians - www.brixtonunitarians.org
Lewisham Unity - www.lewishamunitarians.org.uk
Croydon Unitarians - www.croydonunitarians.org.uk
Stratford Unitarians - www.ukunitarians.org.uk/stratford
Essex Hall Head Office - www.unitarian.org.uk
To find a Unitarian community near you, visit: https://www.unitarian.org.uk/your-spiritual-home
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Unitarian Summer School in Hucklow : ONLINELink visible for attendees
Finding Our Religion:
Being Unitarian in the 21st Century
‘In essentials, unity;
in doubtful matters, liberty;
in all things, charity.’ – Peter Meiderlin
As we mark 30 years of Summer School (originally known as Religious Education Summer School) in 2025 we will turn our attention to the question of what it means to be religious, as progressive people of faith, at this moment in history. During the week, through daily talks and in-depth engagement groups, we will have a chance to examine, explore, reclaim, and affirm our religious identity as Unitarians and Free Christians, in this historic and radical faith tradition which upholds unity and embraces diversity. What would it look like for us – individually and collectively – to move beyond the spiritual ‘pick-n-mix’ and take our religion more seriously? How might we deepen our spirituality, develop theological and philosophical literacy, engage wholeheartedly with tradition, and allow ourselves to be transformed by our personal and communal religious practice? Can we discern and articulate a way of being unapologetically religious that helps us to live well, here and now, and build a better world for future generations? Join us as we tackle this theme and celebrate our 30th anniversary.
In-person bookings are now closed but there is still space to join our online programme. From Saturday 16th to Friday 21st August there will be a theme talk livestreamed from 9am-10.15am and an engagement group from 10.45am-1pm We ask all participants to commit to setting aside the time to attend all six engagement group sessions]. There are two groups on offer:
‘The Flame and the Chalice: Discovering our True Self in Sacred Community’
with Lizzie Kingston-Harrison and Rob Oulton
We all enter this world containing a precious flame – the symbol of our own unique energy, character and story. Our flame will give warmth and light to the world, and without it, the world will be poorer. In being true to ourselves, we help others be true to themselves also. Our flame cannot burn on its own, it is held and nurtured by others. From our birth to our death, our relationships nourish and shape us. The chalice is the symbol of our life-long experience of this relatedness, whose expression can be our participation in a free and creative religious community, where faithfulness to life and our intimations of God, can safely grow and flourish. During this week, we will explore our lives as flame and chalice- our own unique stories and our relationship with other people and the communities of which we are part. By means of story, deep listening, meditation, memory, gentle spiritual practice, creativity and laughter perhaps we can uncover the deeper meanings of our individual flames and encourage each other within the sacred chalice of religious community.
‘The Great and Fiery Force’: Getting to the Heart of Unitarian Spiritual Practice’
with Laura Dobson and Stephanie Bisby
In this group we will consider what has shaped our spiritual/religious practices and how they have evolved and might continue to evolve over time. What is your personal ‘Rule of Life’ and how does it help you to live well and balance the different areas of your life? Sessions will involve meditation, shared discussion, and time for personal reflection, journaling and doodling. There is no need to prepare anything formal in advance, but it would be helpful to have thought about: 1) your main spiritual and religious influences and 2) what spiritual practices or other activities currently support you, and what else you aspire to include in your life. Sessions take place on Zoom, and there will be a WhatsApp group to help us share ideas and resources.
Online registration is £90. Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/gaunitarians/1507689 to book your place by Friday 18th July. Please do not let a shortage of money prevent you from attending. Some bursaries are available to help with the cost (and donations to the Hucklow Summer School bursary fund are always welcome). Contact hucklowsummerschool@gmail.com if you have any questions.
