Unitarian Universalist Association
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), in full the
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations in North America, is a
liberal religious
denomination formed by the merger in
1961 of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America.
Congregations
Most of the member congregations of the UUA are in the
United States and
Canada, but it has also admitted congregations from
Australia,
New Zealand, the
Philippines and
Pakistan (although UUA policy appears at present to be against admitting any new congregations from outside
North America, instead having them form their own national bodies and having these bodies join the
International Council of Unitarians and Universalists). Canadian congregations are all members of both the UUA and the
Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC). Until
2001, most services to Canadian congregations were provided by the UUA; however the UUA and CUC have now agreed that most services will henceforth be delivered to Canadian congregations by the CUC, although the UUA will retain responsibilities in relation to the management of ministers.
Spiritual Makeup
Both of the UUA's predecessor organizations were
Christian denominations; but the UUA is a pluralistic group that includes
Christians,
Humanists,
Buddhists and
Pagans, among others.
Association, Not Denomination
Also, the UUA isn't a
denomination at all! Denominations have authority over their member congregations. Instead, the UUA is an
association of congregations. It is the congregations that have authority over the larger body. This relationship is effected by the General Assembly of Unitarian Universalists. Because the general public understands
denomination much more readily than
association of congregations, the distinction is generally elided in conversation. Because of this relationship between the congregations and the association,
Unitarian Universalist congregations have a
congregational polity of governance.
General Assembly
General Assembly (GA) is held every year in June in a different city in North America. Member congregations (and a few other member organizations) send delegates and conventioneers to participate in the plenary sessions, workshops, District gatherings, and worship services.
Independent Affiliates
The UUA recognizes many organizations as 'Independent Affiliates'. These organizations are created by Unitarian Universalists as needed to meet the special needs of the diversity within Unitarian Universalism. These groups provide specialized spiritual support, work for specific
social justice issues, provide support for religious professionals, etc.
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