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. 

• Draft NAUA Principles and Foundations
  Principles and Foundations of the NAUA The Principles and Foundations below are in draft form to be be discussed and voted on at Summit 2026 and if approved to be… Read more: Draft NAUA Principles and Foundations
• Sept 19, 2026- The Courage of Crazy Wisdom
  Sept 19, 2026: NAUA Service – The Courage of Crazy Wisdom in a Dangerous Time with Rev. Alex Holt “Crazy Wisdom” can be many things but Wes Nisker told us… Read more: Sept 19, 2026- The Courage of Crazy Wisdom
• Unjust Persecution
  As President of the North American Unitarian Association, the NAUA, I feel it is my duty to offer a warning to you. Association with the NAUA may be a risky… Read more: Unjust Persecution
• Sept. 2026 – When our Justice System Fails
  In this session, we will watch one story in which the falsely accused is ultimately proven innocent and the accuser seeks the forgiveness of the exoneree.  Then we’ll explore the… Read more: Sept. 2026 – When our Justice System Fails
• Aug. 15, 2026: NAUA Service – Peace, Love, Understanding and Manure by JD Stillwater
  Social polarization is a natural, predictable phenomenon. So is manure. Science Ambassador JD Stillwater recounts a profound event of peace-making and innovation that happened one afternoon long ago in a… Read more: Aug. 15, 2026: NAUA Service – Peace, Love, Understanding and Manure by JD Stillwater