North American Unitarian Association

Speaker: Andrew James Brown, Minister of Cambridge Unitarian Church, Cambridge, UK

“Beyond all “—isms” — the creative, inquiring, free & liberative spirituality of Imaoka Shin’ichirō”

Imaoka Shin’ichirō (1881-1988) was a pioneering Japanese religious leader and educator, deeply involved in the development of Free Religion and interfaith dialogue. Born into a Shin Buddhist farming family, he first became a Congregationalist Christian pastor, but he eventually left traditional Christianity to embrace a broader, more inclusive spiritual path. Influenced by Quaker mysticism, liberal Buddhism, liberal Shintoism and Seiza meditation, he played a key role in the Japanese Unitarian Mission and Free Religious movement. As principal of Seisoku High School in Tokyo, he promoted academic excellence and progressive values, receiving multiple honours for his educational work. His lifelong commitment to religious inclusivity and cooperation has left a lasting impact, and in this introduction to his life and work we’ll look closely at two versions of his “Principles of Living. 

• SatChat Connection CIRCLE
  2nd & 4th Saturdays | 1:00 PM PT
  Each CIRCLE shapes its own format—some explore specific topics (courage, music, ritual, liberalism, gratitude, impermanence, and more), while others focus on open… Read more: SatChat Connection CIRCLE
• Forum CIRCLE
  1st & 3rd Sundays 1:00 PM PT
 A discussion-based group exploring diverse topics through shared readings and dialogue. To register email circles@naunitarians.org. Other Circles:
• Spirituality CIRCLE 2
  4th Monday, Monthly 4:00 pm Pacific Time This Spirituality CIRCLE is a chance to dive into a new spiritual topic. Some of the topics voted on to explore are’ What… Read more: Spirituality CIRCLE 2
• Spirituality CIRCLE 1
  4th Monday, Monthly 4:00 pm Pacific Time This Spirituality CIRCLE is a chance to dive into a new spiritual topic. Some of the topics voted on to explore are’ What… Read more: Spirituality CIRCLE 1
• Wednesday Connection CIRCLE
  Every Wednesday – 1:15 pm Pacific Time This Connection CIRCLE shapes its own format—some explore specific topics (courage, music, ritual, liberalism, gratitude, impermanence, and more), while others focus on open… Read more: Wednesday Connection CIRCLE