US Tax-Exempt Status Achieved
The International Community of Unitarians and Universalists (ICUU) announced on August 20, 2026, that it has been granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the United States Internal Revenue Service, marking a significant organizational milestone for the global religious nonprofit.
"Obtaining 501(c)(3) status is a transformative milestone for the ICUU and for the broader Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist world," said Reverend Justine Magara, an Advisory Group member. "It formally establishes the ICUU as a recognized charitable organization, opening the door to tax-deductible donations and foundation grants."
Global Reflection Series Launch
With its newly established nonprofit status, ICUU is supporting the launch of a monthly global reflection series organized by the Unitarian Universalist Worldwide Youth Network (UUWYN). The services will be broadcast on UUWYN's YouTube channel to create international connection points for Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists worldwide.
"These monthly reflections will help participants feel part of a truly international movement," noted UWYN Board member Bianca Noroñas.
Democracy Work in Taiwan
ICUU member Bruce Knotts has been invited to moderate the World League for Freedom and Democracy (WLFD) annual conference in Taipei this September. The WLFD, founded in 1954, represents more than 100 countries and has been active in global democracy advocacy, including efforts to restore democracy in Hungary.
Knotts served for decades in the U.S. Foreign Service and as Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office, where he organized the first UN-sponsored workshops on LGBTIQ+ human rights at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. His earlier advocacy in Taiwan contributed to the nation becoming the first in Asia to adopt same-sex marriage protections.
"Bruce's leadership at the WLFD conference is far more than a ceremonial honor—it represents the culmination of a lifetime spent advancing human rights, diplomacy, and democratic values across the globe," said Reverend Magara.
Strengthening Transylvanian Connections
ICUU has welcomed Dr. Robert Kokenyesi to its Advisory Group to strengthen Hungarian and Transylvanian Unitarian partner church relationships. A retired professor of anatomy and physiology and Hungarian native who immigrated to the United States in 1982, Kokenyesi has been active in partner-church relationships for more than three decades.
Fluent in Hungarian, Kokenyesi has served as a translator and essential coordinator of Unitarian partner-church work across multiple U.S. congregations, sustaining Transylvanian Unitarian religion, literature, and community life.
ICUU Advisory Group member Dr. Gábor Kiss is traveling to Hungary and Kolozsvár, Transylvania this fall to deepen long-established ties between partner churches and members of the Hungarian Unitarian Church organization.
Last fall, UUWYN sent youth from different continents to Kolozsvár to attend the 47th Annual Ferenc David Unitarian Youth Association, where they were welcomed by leaders including Revs. Zita Magyari, Zsolt Elekes, Cessi Mezzei, and Bishop István Kovács of the Hungarian Unitarian Church.
About ICUU
The International Community of Unitarians and Universalists is dedicated to strengthening global Unitarian and Unitarian Universalist connections through worship, partnership, education, justice work, and cultural exchange. The organization supports emerging UU communities, fosters international collaboration, and uplifts historic Unitarian centers in Transylvania and beyond.
