About Unitarianism

The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa follows the tenets of Unitarian Universalism—a liberal religion that combines two religious movements: Unitarianism and Universalism.

Unitarianism, which dates back to 16th century in Transylvania, began as a religious movement that opposed the idea of Holy Trinity and believed in the oneness of God, free human will, and the loving benevolence of God.

Universalism, which developed in North America in the 1800s, was a reaction against strict Calvinist doctrines of eternal punishment. Univeralists believed that dignity and worth is innate to all people regardless of sex, color, race, or class.

Both Unitarians and Universalists believed in an inclusive theology, and they often acted together in many social justice movements in the 19th and 20th centuries.  

Unitarian Universalism.  In 1961, the two movements merged and formed the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) in Canada and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in the United States.  For 40 years, these two organizations worked closely together to provide services and programs to congregations in both countries.

However, by 2000, the CUC decided that it needed to focus on specific Canadian needs.  In 2002, the CUC became the main association and service provider for Unitarians and Universalists in Canada.

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