New England Online > Culture & Society > Demographics > Religion > Unitarianism > New England Unitarian Association
New England Unitarian Association
| New England Unitarian Association |
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| General Information | |
| Founded: | 2034 |
| Membership: | 55,000 |
| Congregations: | 100 |
| Administration | |
| Moderator: | Alana Easterbrook |
The New England Unitarian Association or NEUA is the smaller of the Unitarian denominations in New England. With a more relaxed and low church atmosphere, the church aims to provide a specific outlet for those people concerned about the need for churches to play a leading role in social justice. Established in 2034, the NEUA has around 55,000 members and is currently led by the Rev. Alana Easterbrook.
Beliefs & Practices
Unlike the more established UCNE, the NEUA is far more radical, and it's ministers often preach are far more socially aggressive agenda. The church works especially hard amongst disadvantaged children to prevent them being left behind and therefore prone to anti-social behaviour. By encouraging the development of faith, the NEUA plays an important part in the national agenda of ensuring that all people have a solid foundation of which to build their lives.
It is not uncommon for people to born into the UCNE, leave at a young age, and then be brought back into the Unitarian faith by the NEUA. Often it has been found, when these people grow up and raise a family, they will return to the UCNE. This progression is encouraged by both churches. Both enjoy a good and solid working relationship, with inter-church dialogue meetings and joint gatherings held on a monthly basis in many communities.
Governance
The church is led by a Moderator, who is elected by the General Assembly every six years. The moderator has the role of setting the agenda of the church (with the assistance of the GA) and will often team up with the Bishop of Armidale to led larger gatherings or social causes. Since 2049, the current moderator has been the Rev Alana Easterbrook. Past moderators were:
- John Herrenhauser (2034 - 2040)
- Robbie Cummins (2040 - 2045)
- Lena Smith-Underwood (2045 - 2049)
- Alana Easterbrook (Since 2049)
As with the UCNE, clergy are trained through the School of Theology at the New England National University, and are first required to complete a Diploma in Unitarian Ministry at the Michael Servetus Seminary in Williamstown. Graduates are then titled Assistant Ministers, and are sent to a congregation for formal on the job training. After two years, an assistant minister may apply to led a congregation in their own right. Ministers are chosen by the congregation, who appoints a committee who are responsible for the interview and appointment of a suitable minister.
