Universalist Church of America

The Universalist Church of America was a religious organization in the United States that merged with the American Unitarian Association in 1961 to form the Unitarian Universalist Association. Universalism, as a belief, centers on the idea that all souls will eventually be saved. This movement emerged in the mid-18th century in the United States, partly as a response to the perceived harshness of Calvinistic theology, with proponents arguing that a loving God would not condemn most of humanity to eternal punishment. Early Universalists believed that any afterlife punishment would be temporary and purifying.123

Historically, Universalists emphasized reason and individual interpretation in religion, rejecting creeds and dogmas. They believed in the inherent dignity of every person and often supported social reform movements. While rooted in Christian tradition, many contemporary Unitarian Universalists hold diverse beliefs, ranging from Unitarian Christianity to religious humanism, and may draw from various world religions.42