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We practise a free and enquiring approach to the worship of God, the celebration of life, service of humanity, and reverence for all creation. We seek for truth, tolerance and kindness.
Worship
The Unitarian & Free Christian Church in Dover has been Unitarian since 1828. Freedom of belief and the form of worship was unanimously agreed by the membership in 1916 and this liberal tradition is upheld today.
We meet as a group of friends seeking truth, freedom and tolerance in rational worship and fellowship on the first Sunday of every month at 3pm. Worship includes a variety of forms: traditional ‘hymn sandwich’; prayer and meditation; music and poetry; appreciation of art and slide shows; request and D.I.Y services.
We unite in religious liberty, free from constraints or the necessity to believe unbelievable things. We seek wisdom and knowledge in the spiritual, cultural and intellectual insights of all humankind. Marriages and blessings, dedications and naming of children, memorials and celebrations of lives can be arranged.
Activities
We take part in heritage open days, host art exhibitions, and organise garden parties. We also support various charities.
We are affiliated to the General Assembly of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches
and are a member of the London District & Provincial Assembly of Unitarian Churches
and the Kent & East Sussex Unitarian Union.
Youth activities are limited at present to occasional events, e.g. games and fun at garden parties, and some art work.
‘Junior Church’ activity time can be provided during Sunday service for children of visitors/new members. Requests by prior arrangement only. Children are welcome at Sunday services.
History
The Church was founded in 1643 by a dissenting group who refused to subscribe to unreasonable beliefs. They were persecuted and some were imprisoned in Dover Castle. In the early 1800’s these ‘General Baptists’ became Unitarian ( asserting the Oneness of God). They questioned belief in a Trinity and considered the religion of Jesus (Love God and your neighbour) more important than a religion about Jesus. They rejected Original Sin, the Virgin Birth, and the condemnation of non-believers.
The first Sunday school in the town of Dover opened at this church in 1803. The present Chapel, built in 1820, is a grade II Listed building and participates each year in Heritage Open Days.
Contacts
Unitarian Church, Adrian Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9AT, UK.
Chairperson: David Embry
Telephone: (01233) 850384
Publicity Officer: Jean Durban
Enquiries welcome.
Unitarian Links
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