Our Minister

I have been the Minister at Upper Chapel since 1st May 2010 and am delighted to continue a long tradition of liberal non-conformist ministry in the heart of the city.

I first encountered the Unitarian world forty years ago when, as a teenager, I stepped into my first Unitarian chapel. From those beginning I have been much involved in many Unitarian committees and activities.

Life led my wife and I to live in the Peak District and it was at this time that I decided to change direction from a thirty-year career in education, and study for the ministry at the Unitarian College in Manchester. This led me to my first ministry at Great Hucklow in the heart of the Peak District.

During this time I came to enjoy getting to know Upper Chapel and the city of Sheffield. My appointment follows the retirement of the previous minister and I look forward to discovering a lot more about the people and life at the Chapel and the city in which it lies.

The Unitarian congregation has its roots in liberal Christianity and dates from a time when liberal thought was likely to be dangerous for those who expressed it! This has never deterred those in our liberal tradition – who have bravely and boldly expressed their beliefs and offered their challenges. So often Unitarians have been the first in areas of social reform and continue to be so.

Today we celebrate that we are a diverse group of ordinary folk who simply wish to meet together – worshipping in a variety of ways fully believing in the words of a song that we often sing, “Roots hold me close, wings set me fee.”

I believe that each of us has a right to interpret the mysteries of the world in our own way, in our own time accepting that perhaps we may not find every answer! I believe too that each one of us has the right to understand ‘God’ in our own and personal way.

We respect and draw from many different traditions and believe that travelling together and learning from differences enhances our spiritual lives. I delight in being a member of such a loving and open community which addresses challenging issues in a sensitive, inclusive and worshipful manner.

On days off I am likely to be found in my garden tending to my vegetable plot, weather permitting!

I would be pleased to discuss anything with you should you wish and I can be contacted:

at the Chapel on 0114 272 5338 on my mobile 07581 583972 or by email davidw.shaw@btinternet.com

Rev David Shaw