Newfane Congregational Church will hold a special meeting on Sunday to vote on whether to formally overturn the 1826 excommunication of James Lamb, a former member removed for his belief in universal salvation.
Lamb, a 19th-century member of the Vermont church, was expelled for his unwavering belief in Christian universalism — a doctrine asserting that all people would ultimately be redeemed through Jesus Christ.
Lamb referred to this conviction as “the final restitution of all things.” He stood firm despite repeated pressures from church leaders to abandon the belief, which challenged the prevailing view that only a select few were destined for salvation.
While preparing for the church’s 250th anniversary service last June, Rev. Matthew Deen, pastor of the Newfane church, stumbled upon Lamb’s story.
“I was, in a word, captivated. His story compelled me to think deeper and more critically,” Deen said.
Lamb’s expulsion in 1826 marked a pivotal moment in the church’s history, highlighting tensions between traditional doctrines of eternal damnation and more inclusive interpretations of Christian salvation. Nearly 200 years later, his legacy endures, prompting the Newfane church to reexamine the circumstances of his excommunication and consider overturning it.
With the general election coming up, Deen believes this vote is an opportunity to remind people that they are not only spectators of history, but also co-creators of it.
“Lamb’s story has helped us to see that the conviction of universal reconciliation and the doctrine of eternal damnation are not just theological dispositions. They show up in our political and cultural commitments as well, in how we love or hate one another today, here and now,” Deen said in a press release announcing the planned vote.
The vote follows a two-month program hosted by the church to delve into Christian universalism and its impacts on culture and politics. The series included discussions, lectures, and reflections aimed at helping members understand the questions raised by Lamb’s excommunication.
“Reflecting on Lamb’s story and his commitment to his beliefs gives us a chance to re-examine our history with compassion and humility,” said Deen. “We believe this vote is both an act of justice and healing for our community.”
After the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, active church members will have the chance to vote on the motion to overturn Lamb’s excommunication. Local poet and musician Sam Chapin, who composed a ballad recounting Lamb’s story, will perform.
Looking ahead, Deen anticipates that this collective journey will enhance the congregation’s ability to embrace diversity.
“It will help us to appreciate that we have a role to play in history,” Deen said. “We can still add new chapters to the story and we have agency and we can affect the world that we inhabit, so it’s empowering.”
Read the story on VTDigger here: Newfane Congregational Church will vote on overturning James Lamb’s 1826 excommunication.