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Reopenings
As lockdown restrictions are gradually eased following the November lockdown, many of our chapels are transitioning toward a full resumption of services.
The following congregations are now open for Sunday services: (for more information please contact your local congregation)
- Hale Barns
- Knutsford
- Rivington
- Styal
- Wilmslow
Content to keep you going!
With the current Coronavirus issues causing cancellations and delays to many of our services and events, please explore some of our online services and posts to help keep you going!
“Unitarians MDA welcome people of many faiths, or of no faith at all..
..we share and learn from each other as we find pathways to the God of our own understanding.”
Who We Are
The Unitarians MDA are a spiritual community who would encourage you to think for yourself. We believe that everyone has the right to seek truth and meaning for themselves, and that the best setting for this is a community that welcomes you for what you are - beliefs, doubts, questions and all!
Throughout our history, Unitarians have stood for inclusivity, reason and social justice. This includes gender equality - as a result, we've' had female ministers for more than 100 years, gay rights - we've performed same-sex blessings for more than 30 years, and the abolition of slavery.
The Unitarians MDA support equality of respect and opportunity for everyone, totally opposing oppression and discrimination, including on the grounds of any arbitrary or accidental factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Unitarians consider that unless your moral standards are truly your own, then they do not really constitute morality. If they are imposed on you, then they are just a means of social control and nothing more. Of course, a commonly accepted moral framework must exist in any human society but that is not enough if people don't also have a personal morality. Unitarian acceptance of the underlying unity and connectedness of humanity is also important in this context; we are all individuals, with a right to our own beliefs, but we are also members of society with a responsibility to help make it work. As such, it is incumbent upon each of us to behave in ways that respect others and make our community and world a better place for everyone.

Unitarians MDA proudly provide same-sex marriages!
We proudly provide same-sex marriages at many of our chapels across Greater Manchester, including Altrincham, Wilmslow and many more. Get in touch with us today for more information.
Congregations
With 13 congregations hosted all across Manchester, reaching the Unitarians MDA is easier than ever! All are invited, so if you are interested in our services, taking part in our events, or just want to come along for a taster, then don’t hesitate to get in touch or visit one of our locations. View our welcoming congregations and find the nearest chapel to you by clicking below.




News & Events
Upcoming Events
march
14mar10:30 am11:30 amChorlton Sunday Service

Event Details
Join us for Sunday service at Chorlton Unitarian Chapel. We have a variety of speakers for our Sunday services - please get in touch for more information. Please note there are limited
Event Details
Join us for Sunday service at Chorlton Unitarian Chapel.
We have a variety of speakers for our Sunday services – please get in touch for more information.
Please note there are limited places available to visit the chapel in person for this service due to COVID social distancing guidelines. Please get in touch with us if you are looking to attend.
Time
(Sunday) 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Chorlton
Chorlton Unitarian Church, Rear of Regency Court Flats, Wilbraham Road
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
march 21, 2021 10:30 am
14mar11:00 am12:00 pmOldham Sunday Service

Event Details
Following the COVID-19 lockdown we will be aiming to gradually resume our normal services. We are beginning this process by starting with our Sunday Service. We will be implementing a
more
Event Details
Following the COVID-19 lockdown we will be aiming to gradually resume our normal services. We are beginning this process by starting with our Sunday Service. We will be implementing a social distancing policy and restricting numbers in order to help protect our chapel members; ensuring both their safety and the safety of their families. We aim to resume our other services and activities when appropriate. For further information please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sunday Services: All Welcome!
Sunday services begin at 11.00a.m. each week.
We welcome visitors and anyone who is looking for a place to worship.
The service usually finishes at 12.00 noon
Time
(Sunday) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Oldham
Oldham Unitarian Chapel, Connaught Street (Off King's Street Roundabout)
14mar6:00 pm7:00 pmStyal Sunday Service

Event Details
If you've never been to a Unitarian service - or indeed any sort of church service - it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following
more
Event Details
If you’ve never been to a Unitarian service – or indeed any sort of church service – it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following may help as a useful guide if you don’t know what to expect on your first visit to Norcliffe.
- Day and time: Our services take place at 6pm each Sunday evening, except on the first Sunday of each month when it will be at 10:45am. Service usually last around 50 to 60 minutes. At Christmas and on Easter Sunday the times will vary, but these will be publicised well in advance.
- Parking: We are located in the heart of Styal village. If you use the postcode SK9 4JE in your satnav this will get you to the National Trust car park, where you can park for free during services. Don’t worry about the sign saying the car park closes at 6pm – it remains open until after the service on Sundays by special arrangement.
- Dress: Don’t feel you need to wear your Sunday best (unless you want to!). Dress to chapel is generally fairly casual. Jeans and a jumper is perfectly ok.
- Minister: Our regular minister is Rev Alex Bradley, has now retired. We will have the following, standing in for the next few months:
October – Francis Elliot WrightNovember – Rev. Andrew ParkerDecember – Rev. Ant HoweJanuary and February – Garry Hammond – Lay person
- Format: Services will usually start with some opening words and the lighting of the chalice candle, a symbol of our Unitarian faith. There will be a number of readings from the bible and from other sources, prayers and time for silent reflection. The minister will deliver a sermon that is usually around 10 to 15 minutes long, and the offertory (collection) will be taken to help fund the running of the chapel. There will usually be four hymns during the service, and some closing words at the end. There is no need to worry about when to sit or stand, as the person leading the service will clearly indicate what is appropriate and when.
- Tea and coffee: We serve tea and coffee after the service during which time there is the chance to have a chat with other members of the congregation. It’s great if you can join us, but don’t feel you have to if you need to get home.
- Children: Children are welcome all services and there are toy bags for quiet play.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Styal
Norcliffe Chapel, (Off) Altrincham Road
21mar10:30 am11:30 amChorlton Sunday Service

Event Details
Join us for Sunday service at Chorlton Unitarian Chapel. We have a variety of speakers for our Sunday services - please get in touch for more information. Please note there are limited
Event Details
Join us for Sunday service at Chorlton Unitarian Chapel.
We have a variety of speakers for our Sunday services – please get in touch for more information.
Please note there are limited places available to visit the chapel in person for this service due to COVID social distancing guidelines. Please get in touch with us if you are looking to attend.
Time
(Sunday) 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
Chorlton
Chorlton Unitarian Church, Rear of Regency Court Flats, Wilbraham Road
21mar11:00 am12:00 pmOldham Sunday Service

Event Details
Following the COVID-19 lockdown we will be aiming to gradually resume our normal services. We are beginning this process by starting with our Sunday Service. We will be implementing a
more
Event Details
Following the COVID-19 lockdown we will be aiming to gradually resume our normal services. We are beginning this process by starting with our Sunday Service. We will be implementing a social distancing policy and restricting numbers in order to help protect our chapel members; ensuring both their safety and the safety of their families. We aim to resume our other services and activities when appropriate. For further information please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sunday Services: All Welcome!
Sunday services begin at 11.00a.m. each week.
We welcome visitors and anyone who is looking for a place to worship.
The service usually finishes at 12.00 noon
Time
(Sunday) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Oldham
Oldham Unitarian Chapel, Connaught Street (Off King's Street Roundabout)
21mar2:15 pm3:15 pmRivington Sunday Service

Event Details
Services at the chapel are on the first and third Sundays of the month at 2.15 pm. Although it is not restricted by dogma, our worship can be viewed as a
more
Event Details
Services at the chapel are on the first and third Sundays of the month at 2.15 pm.
Although it is not restricted by dogma, our worship can be viewed as a celebration of our deepest values. We see our religious beliefs as relevant to all aspects of life including the wider community.
We have a Lay Person in Charge, Vince McCully, who looks after the pastoral needs of the congregation. Vince usually takes six services during the year.
Our other Sunday services are conducted by a visiting minister or lay preacher. They usually consist of an address or reflection, prayer and meditation, music, hymn-singing,and occasional dramatic presentations. Our readings are from the Bible but also from relevant material from other faiths.
We enjoy a wide variety of perspectives from visiting speakers who may sometimes include Presbyterian, United Reform and Church of England ministers.
All visitors and enquirers are made most welcome and are invited to join us for tea and a chat after special services such as anniversaries and festivals
Time
(Sunday) 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm
Location
Rivington
Rivington Unitarian Chapel, The Village Green
21mar6:00 pm7:00 pmStyal Sunday Service

Event Details
If you've never been to a Unitarian service - or indeed any sort of church service - it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following
more
Event Details
If you’ve never been to a Unitarian service – or indeed any sort of church service – it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following may help as a useful guide if you don’t know what to expect on your first visit to Norcliffe.
- Day and time: Our services take place at 6pm each Sunday evening, except on the first Sunday of each month when it will be at 10:45am. Service usually last around 50 to 60 minutes. At Christmas and on Easter Sunday the times will vary, but these will be publicised well in advance.
- Parking: We are located in the heart of Styal village. If you use the postcode SK9 4JE in your satnav this will get you to the National Trust car park, where you can park for free during services. Don’t worry about the sign saying the car park closes at 6pm – it remains open until after the service on Sundays by special arrangement.
- Dress: Don’t feel you need to wear your Sunday best (unless you want to!). Dress to chapel is generally fairly casual. Jeans and a jumper is perfectly ok.
- Minister: Our regular minister is Rev Alex Bradley, who is also Principal of Unitarian College Manchester. Alex is part-time, so roughly a third of our services are led by visiting ministers from other chapels or by lay preachers.
- Format: Services will usually start with some opening words and the lighting of the chalice candle, a symbol of our Unitarian faith. There will be a number of readings from the bible and from other sources, prayers and time for silent reflection. The minister will deliver a sermon that is usually around 10 to 15 minutes long, and the offertory (collection) will be taken to help fund the running of the chapel. There will usually be four hymns during the service, and some closing words at the end. There is no need to worry about when to sit or stand, as the person leading the service will clearly indicate what is appropriate and when.
- Tea and coffee: We serve tea and coffee after the service during which time there is the chance to have a chat with other members of the congregation. It’s great if you can join us, but don’t feel you have to if you need to get home.
- Children: Children are welcome all services and there are toy bags for quiet play.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Styal
Norcliffe Chapel, (Off) Altrincham Road
28mar11:00 am12:00 pmOldham Sunday Service

Event Details
Following the COVID-19 lockdown we will be aiming to gradually resume our normal services. We are beginning this process by starting with our Sunday Service. We will be implementing a
more
Event Details
Following the COVID-19 lockdown we will be aiming to gradually resume our normal services. We are beginning this process by starting with our Sunday Service. We will be implementing a social distancing policy and restricting numbers in order to help protect our chapel members; ensuring both their safety and the safety of their families. We aim to resume our other services and activities when appropriate. For further information please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sunday Services: All Welcome!
Sunday services begin at 11.00a.m. each week.
We welcome visitors and anyone who is looking for a place to worship.
The service usually finishes at 12.00 noon
Time
(Sunday) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Oldham
Oldham Unitarian Chapel, Connaught Street (Off King's Street Roundabout)
28mar6:00 pm7:00 pmStyal Sunday Service

Event Details
If you've never been to a Unitarian service - or indeed any sort of church service - it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following
more
Event Details
If you’ve never been to a Unitarian service – or indeed any sort of church service – it can be daunting to attend one for the first time. The following may help as a useful guide if you don’t know what to expect on your first visit to Norcliffe.
- Day and time: Our services take place at 6pm each Sunday evening, except on the first Sunday of each month when it will be at 10:45am. Service usually last around 50 to 60 minutes. At Christmas and on Easter Sunday the times will vary, but these will be publicised well in advance.
- Parking: We are located in the heart of Styal village. If you use the postcode SK9 4JE in your satnav this will get you to the National Trust car park, where you can park for free during services. Don’t worry about the sign saying the car park closes at 6pm – it remains open until after the service on Sundays by special arrangement.
- Dress: Don’t feel you need to wear your Sunday best (unless you want to!). Dress to chapel is generally fairly casual. Jeans and a jumper is perfectly ok.
- Minister: Our regular minister is Rev Alex Bradley, who is also Principal of Unitarian College Manchester. Alex is part-time, so roughly a third of our services are led by visiting ministers from other chapels or by lay preachers.
- Format: Services will usually start with some opening words and the lighting of the chalice candle, a symbol of our Unitarian faith. There will be a number of readings from the bible and from other sources, prayers and time for silent reflection. The minister will deliver a sermon that is usually around 10 to 15 minutes long, and the offertory (collection) will be taken to help fund the running of the chapel. There will usually be four hymns during the service, and some closing words at the end. There is no need to worry about when to sit or stand, as the person leading the service will clearly indicate what is appropriate and when.
- Tea and coffee: We serve tea and coffee after the service during which time there is the chance to have a chat with other members of the congregation. It’s great if you can join us, but don’t feel you have to if you need to get home.
- Children: Children are welcome all services and there are toy bags for quiet play.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Styal
Norcliffe Chapel, (Off) Altrincham Road
Send A Child To Hucklow
The Unitarians are extremely proud to work with Send A Child To Hucklow as their primary charity. To learn more, please click below to go to the Send A Child To Hucklow website.
Specific congregations also work with many more charities, feel free to get in touch directly for more information.
What Our Members Have To Say

Geoffrey Levermore
‘Being a Unitarian helps me to explore and discuss my religion with my friends. It also allows me to examine my life, remembering Socrates’ words: “the unexamined life is not worth livng”!’

Judith Burrows
‘I have found that King Edward Street Chapel gives me the opportunity to doubt, question and to change my mind about my beliefs. At King Edward Street, my views are respected, making it my spiritual home!’

Helen Smithson
‘ .. we respect each other’s differences and share an acceptance of other views and beliefs. I love this inclusivity and leave each week with plenty to think about as well as feeling very positive and at peace with myself.’
Do you have a spare moment?
Help us by answering a few questions in our quick survey!
Reach out today for more information
Everyone is welcome in our community!
enquiries@unitariansmda.org.uk
07434 802883
Natasha Stanley,
Cross Street Chapel,
Cross Street,
Manchester,
M2 1NL

The Manchester District Association of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches Charity No. 503753
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