One of the most significant figures in Unitarian history, Theophilus Lindsey, was born on this day in 1723. Educated at St John’s College, Cambridge, he took orders within the Anglican church and served in a number of capacities. Informed in part by his close friendship with the Presbyterian Unitarian minister and scientist Joseph Priestly, Lindsey’s theology gradually shifted toward Unitarianism.
Over the years many Anglicans had held proto-Unitarian or Unitarian perspectives, including John Milton, John Locke and Isaac Newton. And at first Lindsey hoped to continue as a minister within the comprehensiveness of the Anglican church. To this effect he joined with a number of other clerics to compose the Feathers Tavern Petition. The petition called for greater freedom of conscience and open expression of dissenting views than was currently allowed. Had it been addressed it would have allowed clergy to openly hold Unitarian views. Significantly some two hundred and fifty clergy signed the petition, which was duly sent to Parliament. Parliament refused to receive it on two separate occasions.
Coming to see there would be no way for an official form of Unitarianism to have a place within the established church, Lindsey resigned his pulpit, rented a hall in Essex Street, in London, and in April of 1774 conducted the first Unitarian worship service in a congregation gathered for that specific purpose. This event was attended by many luminaries of the day, including Priestly and Benjamin Franklin.
This was the beginning of institutional Unitarianism within the English speaking world.
Thank you, Theophilus!
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