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About the Church

As a progressive and inclusive spiritual community, we are covenanted not by doctrine and dogma, but by liberal religious principles distilled from the essential values of all world religions, as well as the arts, sciences, and humanities. These principles are a living document, subject to free individual interpretation, and are not a creed. The purpose of our preaching is not to expound doctrine but to challenge you to deeper personal reflection, and stir you up to a more considered personal faith and more ethical living.

Unitarians do not have one specific set of beliefs; our views are based on guiding principles but each Unitarian’s individual beliefs are shaped based on the result of their personal spiritual journey, and these may continue to evolve throughout their lives. Learn more about what Unitarians believe.

Our official name is The Unitarian Church of South Australia Incorporated, but we often informally refer to ourselves as the Adelaide Unitarian Church. We were founded in 1855 by settlers from England, themselves the inheritors of Unitarianism, which traces its origins to one of several variants of protestantism that emerged from the Reformation of the 16th century. Learn more about our history here.



Good Reasons for Joining Us

We are a progressive, inclusive and welcoming faith community! But why might we be of interest to you?

  1. Because here we join with open hearts and minds to worship together, seeking what is sacred among us.
  2. Because here we are part of a long, liberal tradition of reason and tolerance, of hope and liberation.
  3. Because here we reach out to know the great truths found in a variety of religious expressions.
  4. Because here we acknowledge that revelation is never sealed and we empower ourselves to search for new truths.
  5. Because here we nurture our children’s enthusiasm and encourage their questions.
  6. Because here we welcome diverse people and views.
  7. Because here we join our strength with others to create a more just society.
  8. Because here we respect the whole self–mind, body and spirit working together.
  9. Because here we encourage each other to be true to ourselves.
  10. Because here we build a supportive community that eases our loneliness and opens our hearts.

Weekly services are held at our Norwood meeting house at 99 Osmond Terrace, Norwood. We also hold monthly vesper services at our Shady Grove Chapel. Thinking of dropping in? Get some information for first time visitors! Or you can learn more about our regular services and gatherings.