Unitarian Beginnings and Heritage in Poland: A Historical Pilgrimage
Dates: May 20–26, 2026 |
Location: Poland |
Organizer: Polish Unitarian Society & Partners
We are pleased to share a unique opportunity for IARF members—particularly those in Europe—to explore the deep roots of liberal religion. This historical study tour is hosted by leaders from the Polish Unitarian Society, a member group of the IARF, in collaboration with Unitarian Universalist ministers from the United States.
Discover the “Heartland” of Religious Dissent
Join a journey back to the 16th century, visiting the Unitarian “heartland” where the Polish Brethren (also known as Socinians) established congregations that openly challenged dogma, rejected infant baptism, and championed pacifism. These events occurred eight years before similar movements in Transylvania, making this a crucial site for the history of religious freedom.
The influence of the Polish Brethren was monumental for the development of liberal religious and political thought in Holland, England, and America. The tour will focus on Raków, the intellectual center where the famous Racovian Catechism was printed in 1605.
Itinerary Overview
This pilgrimage moves from the modern capital to the historic countryside, ending in the royal city of Kraków.
WarsawDay 1: May 20
Afternoon arrival in the capital. Orientation and welcome dinner with the group.
Warsaw → The CountrysideDays 2-3: May 21-22
Meeting with local Unitarians and historian Prof. Stanisław Obirek. Departure by chartered bus to the historic heartland.
Raków & SurroundingsDays 4-5: May 23-24
Based near Raków, we visit worship sites of the Polish Brethren—some restored, others in evocative ruins.
KrakówDays 6-7: May 25-26
Tour concludes in the royal city. Visit Wawel Castle, the Old Town, and WWII history sites. Closing dinner.
Departure is scheduled for the morning of May 27.
Cost & Logistics
The tour is led by Rev. Jay Atkinson, Rev. Roger Jones, and Rev. Kevin Tarsa, alongside local Polish lay leaders Justyna Borusińska and Jarosław Wajchert.
Cost: Approx. $1000 USD (double occupancy) / $1200 USD (single). Includes lodging, local transport, breakfasts, and some meals. (Airfare not included).
Financial Aid: Scholarship aid is being explored for seminarians and early-career ministers.
Registration & Contact
For questions, specific payment details, or to register for the tour, please contact the lead organizer, Jay Atkinson.
The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) is deeply saddened to share the news of the death of the Rev. John Clifford.
John was a dedicated internationalist, a passionate advocate for peace, and a universally respected leader within the Unitarian movement. His commitment to interfaith understanding and his service to our organization spanned decades, leaving a lasting mark on colleagues across Europe and the United Kingdom.
A Devoted IARF Activist
John’s connection to the IARF was profound and hands-on. Born in the USA, he eventually settled in the UK, but his vision was always global. From 1983 to 1986, John served directly on the IARF staff at our former headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.
Long-time IARF colleagues Lucie Meijer (Dutch Chapter) and Dorothee Gehrmann (German Chapter) shared this reflection on his time with the secretariat:
John Clifford, a Unitarian minister from the UK, joined the IARF Staff at headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, from 1983–1986. He moved with his family to live in Offenbach and cycled each day to the IARF office in Frankfurt, where he took care of publicity.
He was involved in organizing the IARF Peace Vigil in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 1985, during the IARF Peace Conference Europe. He edited the Conference Declaration on ‘Peace – our commitment to the future’. It could be said that he was a faithful and devoted IARF activist and competent helper at IARF conferences and congresses, before as well as after his years on the staff of the IARF international secretariat.
A Life of Ministry and Service
Born in the United States, John discovered Universalism while in secondary school. After training for the ministry, he moved to Britain, where he was naturalised in Scotland in 1975. He served as the minister of Glasgow Unitarian Church from 1975 to 1983, immediately prior to his service with the IARF in Frankfurt.
Upon returning to the UK, his dedication to the movement continued to grow. He served the British General Assembly (GA) of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches with distinction, holding the roles of Deputy General Secretary, Executive Committee member, President of the Ministerial Fellowship, and President of the General Assembly.
His commitment to internationalism remained a core part of his work; from 2005 to 2009, he served as the Executive Secretary of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU).
In his later years, he remained a beloved figure in Scotland as an associated minister at St Mark’s Unitarian Church in Edinburgh. Friends there remember him for his “thoughtful presence, gentle friendship, and deep care for the life of the congregation.”
Philosophy, Personality, and “The Web of Life”
John was a man of deep intellect and broad interests. He described his personal philosophy as centered in “empirical process philosophy,” blending liberal Christianity, Buddhism, and a deep appreciation for “the web of life.” He viewed religion not just as philosophy, but as a community base where spiritual development finds expression in practical ethical actions.
He embraced life fully. Beyond theology, he was known for his love of stamp collecting, astronomy, and linguistics. Having fully adopted his Scottish home—often evidenced by his wearing of the kilt—he was also an enthusiast of piping and Scottish Country Dancing.
Remembering a Friend
His presence was a staple at gatherings, blending serious commitment with warmth. Derek McAuley, Chair of the IARF British Chapter, reflected:
John was committed to IARF and always attended our workshop at the British Unitarian Annual Meetings. We will miss his wry humour and his American-Scottish twang!
A Lasting Legacy
John passed away shortly after attending the induction of the new minister at St Mark’s, remaining active and supportive of his community to the very end.
We give thanks for John’s life, his ministry, and his tireless work for peace in Europe and beyond. The IARF sends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Barbara, their five children and eight grandchildren, and his many friends in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the international community.
He will be greatly missed.
Sit-in Demonstration by Yezidis in The Hague Because of Recent Dutch Policy Change
Young Yezidis are holding a sit-in demonstration this month in front of The Hague Central train station to express their concerns about a recent change in Dutch policy. Under this new policy, the government now considers it generally safe for Yezidis and other religious minority groups to return to Iraq—either to the city of Sinjar and its surroundings, or to camps in the Kurdish Autonomous Region. As a result of this change, many requests for asylum by Yezidis have been rejected in the past 1.5 years.
Yezidis believe that since the genocide of 2014, they cannot safely live in Iraq due to continuing discrimination, hate speech from other groups, a lack of law and order, and widespread impunity. Recent developments in Iraq and Syria have only increased these concerns.
In Germany, Yezidis face similar problems. Please support the Yezidis by writing to your Member of Parliament, donating to Yezidi organizations, or encouraging them by passing by their sit-in demonstration in The Hague. IARF supports the Yezidis in the Netherlands.
