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. 

• Mar. 22, 2026. Pirates of the YouTube
  Join co-ministers Rev. Jerry & Rev. Lynn Kerr to learn of their adventures starting up their own YouTube channel for the UU Congregation of Flint, MI, USA. Recent Posts Archives
• Mid-March 2026 Compass
• March 10, 2026 Pilgrimage – Camino Santiago
  The Camino de Santiago is one of the most ancient and well-worn pilgrimage routes in the Western world. For over a thousand years, people have walked these trails—from all across… Read more: March 10, 2026 Pilgrimage – Camino Santiago
• March 2026 Compass
• Book for March 26, 2026
  The NAUA Book Club meets on the last Thursday of each month starting at 7:30 PM (EDT) / 4:30 PM (PDT). All are welcome. The book choice for March 26th… Read more: Book for March 26, 2026