The American Unitarian Association (AUA) was founded in 1825 to promote Unitarianism, a religious movement that emphasizes reason and individual conscience in matters of faith. The AUA aimed to unite various Unitarian congregations and support their growth across the United States. In 1961, the AUA merged with the Universalist Church of America to form the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This new organization continues to uphold the principles of both traditions, focusing on social justice, community service, and spiritual exploration, while welcoming diverse beliefs and practices.