First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis

Can you picture a church without a cross? It’s hard to, isn’t it? But here in front of us stands the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis. It’s a striking example of how a religious institution can embrace humanist values and still thrive. You might wonder how a church built in 1951 could be the birthplace of congregational humanism, but its roots run much deeper. It all started in the 1870s with a group of free thinkers, members of the National Liberal League, discussing the works of Charles Lyell and Charles Darwin. This group found solace in each other’s company, and together they decided to build a community where they could explore their ideas freely. The First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis was born. Over the years, this community attracted some of the most important figures in the humanist movement. One of them was John H. Dietrich, also known as “The Father of Religious Humanism.” He joined the society in 1916 and, in the following years, helped to shape a more secular view of the traditional Sunday service. His sermons attracted thousands of people, moving from the society’s building to large theatres in the city to accommodate the growing crowds. But it’s not just about the past. Today, the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis keeps that legacy alive. It offers a unique blend of humanist teachings, social activism, and community engagement, and they’ve even renamed the denomination from “Religious Humanism” to “Congregational Humanism” to better reflect their nontheistic nature. For those who see religion as a source of comfort, guidance, and community while rejecting the supernatural, the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis offers a unique and welcoming space.