The American Unitarian Association was formed in 1825; a national conference was added in 1865. Local churches retained their independence, in accordance with Congregational polity. In 1961 the association joined with the Universalist Church of America to form the Unitarian Universalist Association, with headquarters in Boston.
Basic Doctrine
Unitarians are generally agreed in rejecting the entire orthodox outlook. They deny the doctrines of the Trinity, the vicarious atonement, the deity of Jesus Christ, original sin, and everlasting punishment, regarding them as both unscriptural and irrational. They celebrate the Eucharist, not as a sacrament, but as a commemoration of Jesus' death and as an expression of spiritual communion with him. They adhere to the rite of infant baptism, although a few Unitarian Baptist churches restrict baptism to adults.
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