The association is based in the United Kingdom and is an affiliated society of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches,[1] and has formal links with the European Liberal Protestant Network.

This is highlighted by the UCA's Foundational Declaration (Recast Edition) which states the following: "The Bible is central to our faith and Jesus is the Teacher, Exemplar and Master.

"[2] The UCA was formed in 1991, largely at the instigation of scholar and minister Lancelot Austin Garrard (1904–1993), as a response to theological revisionism within the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.

In its early years, the members of the UCA decided that they did not wish to apply for recognition as an official body affiliated to the General Assembly.

But after the GA adopted new aims and objects which specifically included "the upholding of the liberal Christian tradition," it was agreed that it would be appropriate to apply for recognition.

In Spring 2006, a theological colloquium was held at Cambridge University by UCA members in order to discuss the future of Unitarianism and Free Christianity within Britain.