The quickest way to learn about the United Church of Christ (the “UCC”) is the national website www.ucc.org.
A History of Individuality and Independence
The United Church of Christ was created when two Protestant denominations, the Evangelical Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches came together. The roots of the UCC go all the way back to the pilgrims of the Massachusetts Bay Colony! It also finds its origins in the reformed traditions of German, Swiss, Hungarian and other immigrants. The other component comes from the Christian Churches, which sprang up in the late 1700s and early 1800s in reaction to the theological and organizational rigidity of the other mainline Protestant denominations of the time.
You may recall the famous quote by Gracie Allen, “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” We believe that God continues to speak to the church today about the body of Christ and its role in the world.
“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey,
you’re welcome here.”
To date, more than 2,500 churches have chosen to formally participate in the God is still speaking, campaign. As that number continues to grow, the United Church of Christ continues to balance religious tradition with new ideas for religion that is relevant.
God is still speaking,
The Stillspeaking Ministry continues to provide resources that enable all settings of the church to proclaim the good news of extravagant welcome. Together under one collective identity, we can enthusiastically support and proudly lift up that the UCC is a welcoming, justice-minded Christian community.
At a time when religion is too often portrayed as narrow-minded and exclusive, many are raising their voices for an alternative vision:
· where God is all-loving and inclusive
· where a church welcomes and accepts everyone as they are
· where your mind is nourished as much as your soul
· where Jesus the healer meets Jesus the revolutionary
· where together we grow a just and peaceful world.
One of the defining characteristics of the UCC is that we join in community by testimonials, not tests, of faith. Your beliefs, your understanding of God and Jesus and church are uniquely yours, as you seek and explore alongside others in community.