Unitarian Christian Church of America
We warmly welcome you to the UCCA. We believe we are a “faith whose time has come, indeed a faith for today.” Our aim is not to impose a specific belief but to unite with others to promote, educate, and improve a “way of living” in harmony and peace with everyone.
The world we live in is not what God intended for it to be. The old ways no longer work, nor are they relevant; it is time for an “awakening.” Our spiritual needs are unmet as we have evolved, creating a growing spiritual and moral void that must be addressed.
We invite you to join us in becoming the revival that awakens humanity into the next century and beyond. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. The time is right, the need is clear, and the answer is waiting.
The UCCA teaches that life should be lived with love, humility, compassion, spiritual openness, and a commitment to personal and communal flourishing.
"First, liberty, freedom of the individual to think, think as he will or think as he must; but not liberty for the sake of itself. Liberty for the sake of finding the truth"
- Minot J. Savage, Our Unitarian Gospel (p. 9).
FORGIVENESS
October 4, 2026
Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder.” (kill)
Note: There are no qualifications, conditions, or exceptions to this statement. Are you listening?
I believe this is the true test of love. An eye for an eye only leaves two blind; there is no true justice and no godliness. If there is love, taking another's life is paramount, or love does not exist. God is the only giver of life, unless you believe in Frankenstein. God, our Creator, designed us before we were born, breathed the “Breath of Life” into us, and set us on a journey we call life. That journey is to be an example of the “Love of God,” reflecting “God’s Image” in all we say and do. Is this you?
“Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” Corrie Ten Boom (1892-1983), Writer
This message continues the teaching handed down from past generations of “Followers of the teachings of Jesus,” from those “Unitarians” who came before me, who walked in the “Way of Godliness” and didn’t follow those who stood too tall and spoke too loudly and boldly. We walk the “Path of Righteousness” to lead others to the truth God would have us know. I hope you will follow.
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), Theologian
For years, I have studied, researched, wrestled with, and prayed about the issue of killing, especially when it is carried out by our government in any form. I live in Tennessee. My state, in my name, just attempted once again to kill another human being. Once again, they failed and instead inflicted pain, harm, and torture on that person. I understand that person committed a horrible crime, but the more I truly look at the punishment, the more I see a “crime” committed in my name and a “sin before God.” There are ways to exact justice without this atrocity, without sinning, within the true meaning of “God’s love.” Life in prison, away from the norms of society, even separated from other incarcerated individuals, is more godly and just as effective.
"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."
Lewis B. Smedes (1921-2002), Theologian & Author
Why should I want someone who has taken the life of my loved one to be allowed to live? That is a reasonable question. But I ask, “Why do you think you have any more right in the eyes of God to take a life?” The only answer is, “You don’t.” But you do have the right to put that person away from others, to punish them in a just and godly way that conveys the lesson that they have sinned against society and will pay a price.
Within each individual there is a deep sense of belonging, a need for interaction with others, a desire to be accepted as part of the whole. To take that away is to cause that person to live each day with that emptiness, and it is more just than taking their life. So, why do we still have “capital punishment?” Most of the world does not; why do we?
"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude."
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), Minister
If we are living our faith as Jesus did, we would project the “Love of God” in our justice and judgments. We would do as Jesus did from the cross, not just say “forgive them,” but also refuse to let our hatred drive us to sin and kill them. The greatest punishment we can give is to look them in the eyes and say, “Just as God still loves you, I will do the same. I will not sin by taking your life, but I will punish you by taking your freedom.” Then they will live in their regrets, and you can rejoice in your mercy. What attitude do you have?
“Only one petition in the Lord’s Prayer has any condition attached to it; it is the petition for forgiveness.” William Temple (1881-1944). Anglican Priest
Think about that. “Forgive me as I have forgiven them.” I understand what it means when a loved one is taken from you, but look at it as a test. Stand with the “Love of God” as your foundation, and that love will give you all you need. When we live in hatred and seek revenge for what has been done to us, we allow that ungodliness to cast a dark shadow over our lives, and we will live with it forever. The hurt never goes away; the hate only increases, and in the end your peace and happiness are replaced by darkness and dread. God wants us all to “love one another”; he tells us to be like Jesus, look at those who wrong us, and say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” What are you saying?
"Forgiveness doesn't make the other person right; it makes you free."
Stormie Omartian (1942-), Author
Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv
Sr. Pastor and President, Unitarian Christian Church of America (UCCA)
Our Purpose:
Our Church is centered in our “Universal Principle”, thus, the UCCA declares and proclaims: “There is only one God, creator and sustainer of all existence, giver of life to all that lives. As God’s creation, we are to love and honor our God with every ounce of our being. When we purport to behave in a manner consistent with that belief, it is manifested by the unconditional love we have for, and the compassion we demonstrate to, all humankind and all creation.”
(Ref. Gospel of Mark 12:28-34)
Our Mission:
It is intended that the UCCA will become a common gathering place and a source of information, inspiration, and support for those who are considering or choose to become modern-day Unitarian Christians.
A Message for Today's World
We sincerely hope you'll find a comfortable and welcoming environment and new home here with us. When we come together, our goal is not to impose personal faith or judge honest individual differences. Instead, we strive to unite through our love for God and to live in truth, peace, and love for all humankind and all of God’s creation.
As our Platform may be unfamiliar to you, we invite you to take this opportunity to learn more about who we are and what we believe. The UCCA is genuinely committed to a “faith whose time has come, indeed, a faith for today.”
We welcome everyone who chooses to participate in living our Platform. Those who actively practice our Universal Principle embodied within our Foundational Beliefs and to the best of their abilities, live the faith we share as a way of life, not just a statement made when convenient or appropriate.
