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FAQ's > Fellowship > Why Are We Called a Fellowship Instead of a Church?
Unitarian Universalist congregations use many different names: church, fellowship, society, association and congregation are the most common.
The use of the word "fellowship" dates to the 1940s and 50s, a time when there were more people interested in coming together in Unitarian congregations than there were ordained ministers to serve them. A program of the American Unitarian Association now known as the "fellowship movement" began, under which dozens of small Unitarian groups led by lay persons were organized around the United States. KUUF came into being under this program.
Like KUUF, many congregations begun during the fellowship movement have grown and called ministers to serve them. Some congregations have changed their names from "fellowship," to "church" or "society." We retain the historical term "fellowship" in our name because in its best sense, fellowship means companionship on the path, friendly relationship, a community of caring. And that is what KUUF seeks to offer: a spiritual community of caring companionship to nourish us to face the challenges our lives bring, and to challenge us to act for the greater good.
Last updated on July 28, 2011 by Web Admin