Unitarian beliefs first emerged in the fourth century when some scholars debated openly concerning the humanity of Jesus and the Trinitarian theology that associated him with the Godhead. They and anyone affiliated with their beliefs were declared heretics and persecuted. Later, in 1553, Michael Servetus, a prominent theologian, was burned at the stakes for resurecting non-Trinitarian views. It wasn't until 1568 when King John Sigismund of Transylvania (Romania) embraced Unitarianism and the first Unitarian church was formed by Bishop Francis David. After that historic moment for Unitarians, Unitarianism spread across Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Our Unitarian heritage in America was brought over by Rev. Joseph Priestly who established the first Unitarian church in North America . In the United States, Unitarians flourished and formed communities in practically every state from late 1700-1961. During this period, America witnessed a visible Unitarian Christian presence from the formation of this country and its institutions to holding the highest office of the land- The President of the United States. It wasn't until the 1960's that one saw a significant decline in Unitarian Christian Theology. This was partly due to the mergerof the Unitarian and Universalist denominations and the advancement of Humanistic thought within their churches. This alliance took both communities into a whole new direction. The churches' liberal traditions combined with Humanism created a new religious movement dedicated to welcoming people of all beliefs and upholding the rights of religious freedom. These pluralistic fellowships and churches still exist today and are highly respected religious establishments. Needless to say, progress is not without sacrifice. As a result of this evolutionary leap, traditional Unitarian Christian churches almost cease to exist, leaving only pockets of churches few and far between. Not until recent times, there have been a reemergence of contemporary Unitarian Christian communities and a restored interest in liberal biblical theology.
