Unitarianism can be traced back to the early days of the Christian Church prior to the adoption of the Doctrine of the Trinity as ecclesiastical dogma in the 4th century. Modern Unitarianism emerged from the same spirit of inquiry that characterised the Reformation. We are today described as liberal or free Christians, which places emphasis on Freedom, Reason and Tolerance. Unitarians recognise and respect the individual’s need to search for spiritual truth and accordingly reject creeds and other man-made tests of faith. While rejecting many existing religious belief systems that too frequently cause divisiveness in our world, Unitarians do believe in a brotherhood of humankind and a loving, universal God. We believe in the worth of the individual and communion of all souls so that humankind can live in oneness with and in service to each other and to the universe of which we are apart.

We respect all religions and will call on different aspects of their teachings to illustrate the existence of a universal God.

In his piece "Celebration" the famous sculptor and artist Mr. Patrick McElroy depicted this concept extremely well. Mr.McElroy was noted for his work in churches throughout Ireland, North and South. The sculpture named “Celebration”, picture above, has incorporated various aspects of Unitarian philosophy and thought by using symbols of the major religions of the World, all reflecting the glory of the universal God.

A framed life size photograph hangs in Cork Unitarian Church. The original relief panel, entitled 'Celebration' was made especially for the Dublin Unitarian Church, 112 St.Stephen's Green, by Paddy.