What We Believe
The motto of our denomination the United Church of Christ, comes from Jesus prayer to his disciples “That they may all be one” (John 17:21). This reflects the spirit of unity on which it is based and points toward future efforts to heal the divisions in the body of Christ. We are a uniting church as well as a united church. We believe in essentials- unity, in non-essentials- diversity, in all things-charity. The unity that we seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of view, nor rigid formulation of doctrine. It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of the Christian faith and life are essential.
We profess a faith based on God's inclusive love for all people. Our beliefs are based on the Apostles and Nicene Creed, the UCC Statement of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism. We believe in these testimonies of faith rather than tests of faith and because faith can be expressed in many different ways, as the United Church of Christ we have no formula that is a test of faith.
We see the bible as the inspired word of God, but we do not take it literally, rather it is to be interpreted by the Holy Spirit in its current culture and context. We also understand that the unity of the church is not of its own making. It is a gift of God. But expressions of that unity are as diverse as there are individuals. The common thread that runs through all is love.
We profess a faith based on God's inclusive love for all people. Our beliefs are based on the Apostles and Nicene Creed, the UCC Statement of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism. We believe in these testimonies of faith rather than tests of faith and because faith can be expressed in many different ways, as the United Church of Christ we have no formula that is a test of faith.
We see the bible as the inspired word of God, but we do not take it literally, rather it is to be interpreted by the Holy Spirit in its current culture and context. We also understand that the unity of the church is not of its own making. It is a gift of God. But expressions of that unity are as diverse as there are individuals. The common thread that runs through all is love.
Our DenominationThe United Church of Christ was founded in 1957 as the union of several different Christian traditions: from the beginning of our history, we were a church that affirmed the ideal that Christians did not always have to agree to live together in communion. Our motto—”that they may all be one”—is Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the church. The UCC is one of the most diverse Christian denominations in the United States. View the video as an introduction to the UCC.
To learn more about the UCC click here. |
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UCC Statement of Faith
We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify: You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin. You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. AMEN
You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin. You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles. In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself.
You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end. Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. AMEN