The U.C.C. was once several church bodies now joined together. In freedom, congregations support each other in the work of Christ through denominational structures.
The U.C.C. has over 1.4 million members
In over 6,000 congregations throughout America
--from cities, suburbs, rural areas
--of many nationalities and races
The goal of the U.C.C. is to be joined together in one church on earth with all who share allegiance to Christ.
The U.C.C. takes an active role in:
--promoting cooperation between churches and denominations
--bringing people everywhere together in the name of Christ
--building sacramental and missional partnerships with other denominations and churches.
The religious heritage of the U.C.C. stems from the great traditions of the Protestant Reformation--Lutheran, Calvinist and Congregational. These traditions were brought to America by Protestants fleeing persecution in Europe.
Four churches into two-into one-a history of ecumenical unity!
German Reformed Church of the U.S.
Followed Calvinist beliefs and traditions
1725--German immigrants established congregations in the U.S.
1793--The Synod of the German Reformed Church in the U.S. was formed.
1867--The name "German" was dropped from the Synod title.
Evangelical Synod in North America
Basically followed Lutheran, Reformed and other beliefs.
1800s--German Immigrants established churches in the Midwest.
1872--Churches organized into the German Evangelical Synod of North America.
1927--The name "German" was dropped from the Synod title.
Congregational Churches
Basically followed Calvinist, Puritan and Congregational beliefs.
1620s--Puritans came to Massachusetts and united to begin North American Congregationalism.
1892--Congregational Methodists joined.
1925--Evangelical Protestants joined.
1927--German Congregationalists joined.
The Christian Churches
1794--O'Kelly "Christians" group was formed
1801--First Free Christian Church in Vermont was organized.
1850--by this time American Christian Convention of churches in the Northeast had formed.
1854--Southern Christian Convention was formed.
1922--The Christian Church was organized.
Stressing liberty of conscience, authority of the Scriptures and their common liberal German Protestant heritage, these churches united in 1934 to form the Evangelical and Reformed Church.
Stressing congregational freedom and a continuing reformation, these churches united in 1931 to form the Congregational Christian Churches.
In 1957, these churches united to form the United Church of Christ.
Today, the U.C.C. is interested in uniting with other churches in fulfillment of the great prayer of Jesus Christ "that they may all be one."