about us
what we believe
Throughout our history, Unitarians have stood for inclusivity, reason and social justice. This includes gender equality – 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.
We 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.
unitarian position
On many things, though, there is a near universal consensus. Even then the right to dissent is fully respected and such statements are not seen as binding on all Unitarians, either in the present or the future.
Unitarians approaching any moral issue will seek balance and a stance that affirms love, life, compassion, and justice. We will be conscious, though, that our personal decision is ours alone. We will recognise that other sincere people may reach a different conclusion. Where there are differences, Unitarians seek respectful dialogue. Where there is consensus, we will speak and act together as the times demand.
If Unitarians don’t necessarily believe all the same things, then why bother getting together at all? – We believe that sharing experience, perspectives, differences and ideas is a powerful way to explore and expand our personal ideas of faith. Where better to enjoy that exploration than in a diverse and tolerant community that welcomes each individual for themselves, complete with their beliefs. doubts and questions?
Geoff Levermore’s Presidential Address at the 2024 GA Annual Meeting
what is the MDA?
The Manchester District Association was initially a body of “gentlemen subscribers” formed in 1859 as a successor to the Lancashire and Cheshire Missionary Society (1821). It was reformed on its present democratic basis, with ministerial and lay representation of its member congregations, in 1891. Its registered charity number is 503753.
There is one body. The Incorporated Association of Churches, which meets four times a year, which makes decisions that affect our congregations. The Annual Meeting is held in March.
The Incorporated Association comprises the MDA Officers, “Executive Committee” and members who comprise of congregational leaders and representatives of the churches and chapels.
meet our team
for general enquiries
for specific congregations
President – Rev. Jeff Gould
07989 858 963
01625 402 952
jeffreylanegould1959@talktalk.net
Treasurer – Vince McCully
01257 483733
vinmcul@hotmail.co.uk
Administrator & Development Officer – Natasha Stanley
07401 872137
mda.secretary@outlook.com
