![]() The word evangelical in this case more closely corresponds with the original Lutheran origins meaning "of the gospel" as opposed to the Evangelical use of the word. While the UCC refers to its Evangelical characteristics, it springs from (and is considered part of) mainline Protestantism as opposed to some doctrines in Evangelicalism. The UCC often uses four words to describe itself: "Christian, Reformed, Congregational and Evangelical". Within this locally focused structure, however, there are central beliefs common to the UCC. South Parish Congregational Church and Parish House in Augusta, Maine in 2013. While individual congregations are supposed to hold guidance from the general synod "in the highest regard", the UCC's constitution requires that the "autonomy of the Local Church is inherent and modifiable only by its own action". There is no UCC hierarchy or body that can impose any doctrine or worship format onto the individual congregations within the UCC. The vote to adopt the Constitution and by-laws was unanymous among the delegates that met in Philadelphia on July 4, 1961. Some of those churches challenged it in court, saying that it was contrary to traditional Congregational principles. There were 367 Congregational Christian churches that decided to stay out. Prior to the vote, 3,669 out of 4,036 Congregation Churches voted to accept it. The Constitution gives autonomy to local churches, and it provides for representative-type of governance of regional and national church organizations. The UCC adopted its constitution and by-laws on July 4, 1961. It affirms belief in the divinity of Christ and in the Trinitarian concept of God, but it does not explicitly mention the virgin birth of Jesus. The Statement of Faith was written with the intention of including the essential principles while being "broad enough for persons of varying points of view". On January 23, 1959, 30 theologians, pastors, and laymen finished writing the UCC's Statement of Faith. At the time, the UCC claimed about two million members. This union adopted an earlier general statement of unity between the two denominations, the 1943 "Basis of Union". The vote on the resolution had no dissenting votes from the delegates gathered. The United Church of Christ was formed when two Protestant churches, the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches united on June 25, 1957. Main articles: Congregational Christian Churches and Evangelical and Reformed Church It self-describes as "an extremely pluralistic and diverse denomination". However, United Church of Christ congregations are independent in matters of doctrine and ministry and may not necessarily support the national body's theological or moral stances. The national leadership and General Synod of the UCC have historically favored culturally liberal views on social issues, such as civil rights, LGBT rights, women's rights, and abortion. The denomination places high emphasis on participation in worldwide interfaith and ecumenical efforts. ![]() Many of its congregations choose to practice open communion. The UCC maintains full communion with other Protestant denominations. population self-identify with the United Church of Christ. In 2015, Pew Research estimated that 0.4 percent, or 1 million adult adherents, of the U.S. At the end of 2014, the UCC's 5,116 congregations claimed 979,239 members, primarily in the U.S. These two denominations, which were themselves the result of earlier unions, had their roots in Congregational, Lutheran, Evangelical, and Reformed denominations. The Evangelical and Reformed Church and the General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches united on June 25, 1957, to form the UCC. Moreover, it also subsumed the third largest Calvinist group in the country, the German Reformed. ![]() The United Church of Christ is a historical continuation of the General Council of Congregational Christian churches founded under the influence of New England Pilgrims and Puritans. The United Church of Christ ( UCC) is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination based in the United States, with historical and confessional roots in the Congregational, Calvinist, and Lutheran traditions, and with approximately 4,700 churches and 745,230 members. Mix of Reformed, Liberal, Progressive, and PluralistĮvangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churchesħ45,230 members in 4,724 congregations (2021) For other churches that have the words "Church" and "Christ" in their name, see Church of Christ (disambiguation). For other merged denominations, see United and uniting churches. This article is about the United States denomination known as "United Church of Christ".
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