Unitarianism was born in Poland within the liberal and radical wings of the Protestant Reformation in the second half of the 16th century.
Between 1562 and 1565 as the result of religious discussions independent congregations of Polish Brethren were established. They were also called Unitarians or Socinians from Faustus Socinius (1539-1604) great liberal reformer and non-dogmatic religious philosopher who lived and died in Poland.
First independent General assembly (synod) of Polish Brethren - Unitarians on June 10,1565 is considered the historical beginning of Unitarianism as an organized movement. (Prof. E.M. Wilbur, G.H. Williams, J.C.Godbey, P. Hewett)
Sentenced to banishment after 1660 Polish Unitarians continued activity in Holland and Transylvania and Germany until the beginning of the 19th century.
Contemporary Unitarianism was reborn in Poland after World war 1 in 1921. Because of WW 2 and Nazi occupation, the development of Unitarianism in Poland was interrupted. Unitarian teaching and religious activity were restricted.
In the beginning of the '90s after the fall of dictatorship, the traditional Unitarian streams began to consolidate and enliven their religious activity.
The ICUU Leadership Conference in 1996 led to the merger of religious communities united in one organization: The Unitarian Church of Poland which is the continuation of the Polish Brethren.
Our religion is non-dogmatic and liberal, based on individual freedom of belief. There are three main streams: liberal Christians, humanists and agnostics.
The Unitarian Church in Poland is a member of ICUU and IARF and cooperates with Human Rights NGOs. |
