Unitarians …

Christian Century, Jan 16, 2002 by Emily Hatzel

AS FAR AS I know, the Unitarian Universalist Association is the only sect in America that has openly and without apology severed its historic ties to Christianity (see John Dart's "Churchgoers from elsewhere," Dec. 5). Other religious organizations have reinterpreted Christianity in unusual and controversial ways. The Unitarian Universalist Association, however, has taken a particularly bold step by burning its bridges. Surely this act of secession should be recognized.

Pretending or suggesting that the Unitarian Universalist Association is still under the Christian umbrella seems pointless and even dishonest. Today's Unitarian Universalists are as distinctive as the Bahais, the Islamic immigrant groups in America, and the followers of the Dalai Lama. All of these people deserve our kindness and our respect. Welcome them all at the interfaith table but please, not at the table set aside for Christian fellowship.

Emily Hatzel
Bennington, Vt.