Unitarianism is a liberal religious movement. It has evolved in the Christian tradition, and originated in the
Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Unitarians uphold the right of everyone to seek truth and meaning for
themselves, according to the evidence of their own insight, reason, experience and reflection.
While affirming the Christian aspect of our heritage, we recognize that wisdom may also be found in the other
spiritual and ethical traditions of humankind. We believe that religion must have contemporary relevance, serve
human need, and enable people to be honest with themselves. To this end our Unitarian community offers liberty of
conscience and freedom from imposed creeds, confessions and dogmas. Our worship is simple and inclusive, aiming to
nurture the spirit while respecting the mind.
The Ipswich Unitarian Meeting offers a fellowship where people come together to worship, to share times of celebration
and trial, and to help each other in the quest for a faith to live by. We try always to respect people's own beliefs,
doubts and responses to the challenge of living. We affirm the universal values of love and compassion, peace, truth
and justice. We welcome all who come to us in the spirit of goodwill and enquiry, regardless of ethnic or religious
background, age, gender or sexual orientation. We try to put into practice our belief in the essential unity of the
human family, and of the interdependent web of life on earth.
We conduct our affairs democratically, each member having a voice and the chance to help in the running of the Meeting.
We enjoy fellowship and the exchange of views over coffee after service. We meet to discuss matters of religious and
social concern, and we offer a liberal approach to religious education for children and adults. We also get together
to share meals and other more relaxed activities.
If this sounds like something you've been looking for, you will be very welcome to come along and see for yourself.
Our Minister
The Rev. Clifford Martin Reed - usually known as Cliff - has been with us since 1976! He's the second longest-serving
minister in the history of the congregation! He trained for the ministry at Unitarian College, Manchester, and studied
theology at Manchester University. He has been involved in local life in many ways down the years. Cliff is currently
the Honorary President of the Suffolk Inter-Faith Resource and plays a leading part in organizing and conducting the
Mayor of Ipswich's inter-faith Civic Celebration of Community. First held in 1980 at our Meeting House, this has taken
place annually ever since - more recently at the New Wolsey Theatre.
Besides our own congregation, he has oversight of the Unitarian Meeting House in Framlingham and the Unitarian Chapel
in Bedfield, which have Ray Seal as their lay-pastor. Cliff is on the Executive Committee of the Eastern Union of Unitarian
& Free Christian Churches, which includes congregations in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge and north Essex.
Cliff has been involved in the national and international Unitarian movement for many years. In 1992 he did a five-month
American exchange ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Illinois. From 1995 to 1997 he was
Secretary of the International Council of Unitarians & Universalists (ICUU) and continued on its Executive Committee
until 2003. During this time he travelled widely in the Unitarian world. He was 1997/98 President of the General Assembly
of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches in the UK and Ireland.
Cliff's best-known publication is probably, 'Unitarian? What's That?' (Lindsey Press, 1999), a brief introduction to our
faith in question and answer format. His other published work includes four books of prayers and reflections, such as,
'Spirit of Time and Place' (Lindsey Press, 2002). A new one, 'Sacred Earth', is in preparation. He has co-edited/edited
and contributed to the published proceedings of three ICUU symposia/conferences: 'A Global Conversation:
Unitarian/Universalism at the Dawn of the 21st Century' (ICUU, 2002); 'The Home We Share: Globalization, Post-Modernism
& Unitarian/Universalist Theology' (ICUU, 2007); 'A Martyr Soul Remembered: Commemorating the 450th Anniversary of
the Death of Michael Servetus' (ICUU, 2004). Cliff also writes hymns and has contributed to three Unitarian hymnals,
including eight in the recently published, 'Sing Your Faith' (Lindsey Press, 2009).
Cliff is married and has two grown-up sons. He enjoys birding and walking, and has supported Manchester United since his
youth!