Ethical Culture movement

Ethical Culture movement originating in the Society for Ethical Culture, founded in New York City in 1876, by Felix Adler . Its aim is "to assert the supreme importance of the ethical factor in all relations of life, personal, social, national, and international, apart from any theological or metaphysical considerations." No definite ethical system is insisted upon, although Adler's own ethical thought has naturally had much influence. The society holds its own religious services, but members may have other religious affiliations if they wish. Societies were organized in Chicago (1882), Philadelphia (1885), St. Louis (1886), Brooklyn, N.Y. (1906), and later in other cities. In England, Stanton Coit founded the South Place Ethical Society, London, in 1887; other societies have since been founded there. In 1896 the International Union of Ethical Societies was organized, uniting the movement, which had become worldwide. Although its membership is not large, the movement has enlisted a number of intellectual leaders.

Ethical Movement. In 1876 the ‘Society for Ethical Culture’ was founded in the USA by Felix Adler, to unite those who hold that morality is the fundamental element in religion. A corresponding movement begun in Britain in 1887 won less support.