Chorlton Unitarians
chorlton
chorlton unitarian church
welcome to
chorlton unitarians
Do you think of yourself as spiritual but not necessarily religious? Chorlton Unitarians are a community of “spiritual explorers”. Above all, we come together to seek truth, meaning, love and deep connection.
We have no creed and hence believe everyone has the right to seek the truth for themselves. Consequently, we believe in using reason and experience, in dialogue with others. We share wisdom from various traditions, of course welcoming people of all faiths and in contrast, those of none.
We share values based on the oneness of humanity and as a result, engage in liberal social action. Additionally, we are an inclusive and diverse community, welcoming LGBT+. Furthermore, we are licensed to perform both same sex, as well as traditional marriages.
about us
services
We meet every Sunday at 10.30am at Chorlton Unitarian Church. Our gatherings usually last for around an hour; afterwards, we enjoy a chat over coffee, tea and biscuits.
Sunday gatherings usually include several songs, readings and one or two periods of prayer/reflection. As well as these, Sunday services may include meditation, music, and an address from the leader.
Chorlton Unitarians also have other alternative spiritual events on Tuesday and Friday evenings. This includes a variety of meditations and discussion groups. Additionally, we host an Earth Spirit Circle, who meet eight times a year to celebrate the wheel of the year.
we proudly provide same-sex marriages
We proudly provide same-sex marriages at Chorlton Unitarian Church! Get in touch with us today for more information.
Our community goes back to 1890, when a small band of Unitarians gathered together in fellowship because they were without a minister or a building. Wilbraham Road Unitarian Church was erected in 1900 before opening for public worship on 9 February 1901. Markedly, the foundation stones can still be seen at the entrance to the building!
Our original church was a half-timbered design but unfortunately had to be demolished in the 1980s due to dry rot. There is however, a line drawing of the original church in the present day building.
The present Chorlton Unitarians church was created from the old Sunday School. The current building is located to the rear of the flats, with access to the right to a small car park.
The building is a perfect place for spirituality and contemplation. Clear glass windows giving views of the mature trees in the area. Additionally, the gable windows are lightly stained with flower patterns. Finally, above the lectern is a round stained glass window showing a lotus in full bloom.
Today the building is used by a range of community groups as well as being home to Chorlton Unitarians.
Members at Chorlton Unitarians are involved in a variety of projects in the local community and we also support various charities. These include:
BMCA sits at the heart of the community, aiming to help support individuals and groups. We offer services and activities in order to help people to reach their full potential.
The Big Breakfast brings people together to enjoy good food, share stories and raise money on a pay-as-you-feel basis. This is done for the Destitution Project, which is a partnership between St Brides and The Red Cross. The Big Breakfast takes place once a month, on the second Saturday 9am-12noon, at St Brides Church in Old Trafford, Manchester. We eat, we share & we give. Come join us.
Refugee Aid Chorlton work with Care UK. We are people and groups directly reaching out to refugees in Syria and Greece. For the most part, this is done through material and financial donations, for example.
The Food Bank provides three days emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust. This is a trust which helps us work to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
This fund is a trust to arrange and provide holidays at the Unitarian Holiday Centre, Great Hucklow, Derbyshire. Above all, we help groups of disadvantaged children. Of course, we do this while having no regard to religion, politics, race or any other identity.
our minister
laura dobson
At Chorlton Unitarians, we strive to create an open and inclusive environment. Overall, we believe in the idea of living in our faith of the divine spirit of life. Furthermore, we act through a loyalty to social justice, shown through not only words, but also our deeds.
Laura Dobson is the minister at Chorlton Unitarians, qualifying in 2021. She completed her training in Unitarian Rites of Passage in 2016. Laura conducts baby blessings, weddings and funerals tailored to the beliefs and needs of the people concerned.
Feel free to get in touch with Laura for some more information. Contact details can be found below.
get in touch
Chorlton Unitarian Church,
Rear of Regency Court Flats,
Wilbraham Road,
Chorlton-cum-Hardy,
Manchester,
M21 9LB
laura dobson
minister
shiela cass
chair, librarian, secretary
linda paris
events administrator
martin singer
treasurer
hilary bichovsky
lettings & building
