The Premise and the Promise: The Story of the Unitarian Universalist Association

by Warren Ross

White softcover, 228 pages, index, bibliography, chronology, 7 small b/w photos including 6 on front cover. *** Foreword by John A. Buehrens. The dramatic story of two pioneering American liberal religious denominations that became one in 1961.

Genres: Religion

228 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2001

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first 50 years of the Unitarian Universalist Association, post-unification. Interesting to hear about early challenges bringing two disparate organizational structures together and the different leadership philosophies. By the time the book was written (2001), folks didn’t worry so much about being Unitarian or Universalist, and by then I knew of many of the major actors. What has happened since (racial reckoning, administrative changes) doesn’t seem surprising, but is interesting.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great quick summary on many of the major historical happenings since the merger in 1961 -- including the various presidents (and moderators), the Empowerment controversy, international connections. youth and RE, ministry, polity, Veatch... It comes in digestable chunks and I mostly agree with his perspectives. The book came from tons of interviews with folks involved over the last 50 years.

[T.Kay Browning · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice summary, as far as I can tell, fairly accurate. The author at least attempts to give fair time to the troubled spots in the post-merger history, as well as the shining spots. I was surprised by how little hard information on congregations there was, coming from a very top-down organized church, the level of autonomy of local churches evidenced was surprising to me.

[Halcyon Westall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives background into the merger in 1961 for those of us who weren't around. Helped me understand the UUA organizational structure. I'd like to give the present youth a glimpse into how vital youth actions have been historically in our movement.