From the Chair of the Congregation, David Zucker:
“1672 was described by the Dutch, “Het Rampjaar” (the disaster year). That was not surprising. In April they were attacked by the French and in June, by Munster and Cologne.
Earlier in January of that same year the English government could not pay its debts and defaulted, with King Charles II ordering the government to make no payments in that year.
Have things changed? War in Europe and a financial crisis. Alas not!
However 1672 was a year of recognition of the importance of science. Sir Isaac Newton, himself a Unitarian, though not publicly so, was elected to the Royal Society of London for improving Natural Knowledge. Freedom of thought was in the ascendancy. Part of that advance was the increasing development of non conformism with Unitarianism, as distinct from Trinitarianism, growing as it permitted theology to give way to science.
In 1672 the Unitarians took their place amongst the faiths in York. This year we celebrate 350 years in the city. As a faith movement we have come a long way, now being a very liberal and inclusive community, celebrating diversity in all its forms, demanding of our members only that they live by our shared values, placing tolerance at the highest level.
We in York are very excited to be celebrating 350 years in the city and would be pleased to welcome anyone of all faiths and none, who would care to join us in our celebrations on 2nd and 3rd July.”
Programme
11am Saturday 2nd July: Talk: “Unitarians past, present and future” by Rev. Andrew Hill and Rev. Stephanie Bisby
Afternoon of Saturday 2nd July: refreshments and music (1.30 to 4pm)
6.30pm Saturday 2nd July: poetry open mic night
11am Sunday 3rd July: worship and celebration
Afternoon of Sunday 3rd July: refreshments and music