Skinner House Books

Skinner House Books. It is the official publishing imprint of the Unitarian Universalist Association, established in 1975 to provide resources for spiritual development, religious education, and social action within the Unitarian Universalist movement and beyond. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, alongside the denominational headquarters at 24 Farnsworth Street, it produces a wide range of materials including books, pamphlets, and curricula that reflect the pluralistic and liberal theological perspectives of the tradition. The imprint is named in honor of Clarence Russell Skinner, a prominent 20th century Unitarian minister, theologian, and dean of the Tufts University school now known as the Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences.

History and founding

The imprint was formally launched by the Unitarian Universalist Association in 1975, during a period of consolidation and identity formation following the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America. Its creation was driven by a need for a dedicated publishing arm to disseminate works reflecting modern Unitarian Universalist thought, replacing earlier ad-hoc publishing efforts. The choice to name the imprint for Clarence Russell Skinner honored his legacy as a leading Universalist thinker and social activist, particularly his work on the Social Gospel movement and his influential text, The Social Implications of Universalism. Early operations were managed from the denominational headquarters in Boston, focusing initially on pamphlets and worship resources before expanding into full-length books.

Publications and imprints

Its catalog encompasses diverse genres including theology, personal spirituality, pastoral care, social justice, and children's religious education. A significant portion of its output consists of materials for congregational use, such as worship anthologies, hymn supplements, and curricula for programs like Our Whole Lives (OWL). It has also published notable thematic collections, including works from the Benedictine tradition and writings on ecotheology. While it operates as the primary imprint, some specialized materials, particularly academic or historical works, have been released in partnership with other publishers like Beacon Press or through the UUA Bookstore. The publication of the seminal Singing the Living Tradition hymnal was a major collaborative project involving the imprint.

Notable authors and works

Many influential Unitarian Universalist ministers, scholars, and activists have been published through the imprint. Notable authors include theologian James Luther Adams, whose essays on prophetic faith were collected in volumes like The Prophethood of All Believers, and poet and minister Lynn Ungar, known for works such as Blessing the Bread. The imprint has published works by social justice leaders like William F. Schulz, former head of Amnesty International USA, and theologian Thandeka, who explores race and emotion. Significant titles in its backlist include A Chosen Faith by John A. Buehrens and F. Forrester Church, and The Gift of Faith by Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar, which are often used in new member and spiritual development programs.

Role within Unitarian Universalism

It serves as a central vehicle for articulating and disseminating contemporary Unitarian Universalist thought, directly supporting the denomination's congregations and individual members. Its publications are integral to religious education across all age groups, providing foundational texts for exploring the Six Sources and Seven Principles. The imprint also plays a key role in shaping worship and liturgical practices by publishing sermon collections, meditation manuals, and resources for rites of passage. Furthermore, it amplifies the association's commitments to social justice by publishing works on topics such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial justice, and environmental ethics, often in dialogue with broader movements like liberation theology.

Operations and distribution

Operating as a department within the Unitarian Universalist Association, its editorial offices are located at the denominational headquarters in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood. The editorial board typically includes UUA staff, ministers, and scholars who review proposals and shape the publishing agenda. Primary distribution channels include the UUA Bookstore, both online and at General Assemblies, as well as through major book wholesalers and online retailers like Amazon. While its core market is Unitarian Universalist congregations in North America, its titles on broader topics of spirituality and ethics also reach interfaith audiences and readers in the wider marketplace.

Category:Book publishing companies of the United States Category:Unitarian Universalism Category:Religious publishing companies Category:Companies based in Boston Category:1975 establishments in Massachusetts