Tuesday, December 9, 2014
UCC info part 2
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Our commitment to the unity of Christ's church is affirmed by the words of our symbol—"That They May All Be One." (John 17:21). Itself a union of several Christian traditions, the United Church of Christ is actively engaged in ecumenical relationships that seek to heal the broken unity of the Body of Christ.
The division of the church is a result of human sin, and all Christians have a responsibility to work for the day when, as Jesus prayed, "they may all be one." Ecumenical relations helps us to learn from the spiritual traditions of other churches. They help us to serve the world more effectively in God's name. They remind us that while we are proud of the diversity of the Protestant traditions that have joined in our united church, there is an even greater diversity in the Body of Christ that can make us whole.
Our ecumenical commitments affect us no matter where we live and worship. They are as near as the neighboring church down the street and as far as the communities of Christians who live the Gospel in the poorest countries of Africa and Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. On these pages you will learn more about these commitments as well as the broader dialogue between Christians and the followers of other religions.
SECTION MENU
Ecumenical Resources
Ecumenical Partnerships
Ecumenical Councils
Interfaith Relations
CONTACT INFO
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson
Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2191
thompsonk@ucc.org
Subscribe to Stillspeaking Magazine
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/ecumenical/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Our commitment to the unity of Christ's church is affirmed by the words of our symbol—"That They May All Be One." (John 17:21). Itself a union of several Christian traditions, the United Church of Christ is actively engaged in ecumenical relationships that seek to heal the broken unity of the Body of Christ.
The division of the church is a result of human sin, and all Christians have a responsibility to work for the day when, as Jesus prayed, "they may all be one." Ecumenical relations helps us to learn from the spiritual traditions of other churches. They help us to serve the world more effectively in God's name. They remind us that while we are proud of the diversity of the Protestant traditions that have joined in our united church, there is an even greater diversity in the Body of Christ that can make us whole.
Our ecumenical commitments affect us no matter where we live and worship. They are as near as the neighboring church down the street and as far as the communities of Christians who live the Gospel in the poorest countries of Africa and Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. On these pages you will learn more about these commitments as well as the broader dialogue between Christians and the followers of other religions.
SECTION MENU
Ecumenical Resources
Ecumenical Partnerships
Ecumenical Councils
Interfaith Relations
CONTACT INFO
Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson
Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2191
thompsonk@ucc.org
Subscribe to Stillspeaking Magazine
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/ecumenical/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us
UCC Brand Guidelines
Download the UCC Brand Guidelines for more information about the UCC brand standard logo, fonts, colors, motto, graphics and phrases.
UCC Logo
The brand standard version of the UCC logo includes the text "United Church of Christ," the cross-and-orb graphic and the script "God is still speaking." The cross-and-orb graphic includes the double oval with the UCC motto, "That they may all be one" (John 17:21). The Brand Guidelines document includes more detailed information on the acceptable uses of the logo.
Official colors of the United Church of Christ brand
The brand standard colors for the United Church of Christ are red (PMS 186), black and white. The downloadable Brand Guidelines PDF includes CMYK and web hex color information.
Official fonts of the United Church of Christ brand
The UCC uses three distinct typefaces for print, and one for the web. The downloadable Brand Guidelines PDF includes detailed font information.
Impact is used for bold emphatic headlines.
Bodoni Book, a more traditional serif font, used when gravitas is needed. The bold version can be used for emphasis.
Helvetica Neue family of fonts for a more modern, san serif feel.
Online
The Arial family of fonts is the brand standard for all online uses.
Social Media Resources
Best Practices Sheet (pdf)
Slideshow
Download the UCC logo
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - b/w [.eps] 361k
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - color [.eps] 396k
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - b/w [.jpg] 103k
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - color [.jpg] 133k
File UCC in stacked words with oval [.eps] 691k
File UCC in stacked words with oval [.tif] 16mb
File UCC in stacked words [.eps] 250k
File UCC in stacked words [.tif] 2mb
File UCC logo [.eps] 688k
File UCC logo [.tif] 9mb
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma [.jpg]
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma - red [.jpg]
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma [.eps] 1.73mb
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma [.tif] 2.63mb
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma [.eps] 374k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma [.tif] 5.27mb
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma [.jpg] 865k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma with "God is Still Speaking," [.eps] 413k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma with "God is Still Speaking," [.pdf] 79k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma with "God is Still Speaking," [.jpg] 312k
File Dios Habla Todavia [.eps] 519k
File Dios Habla Todavia - color [.eps] 525k
Favicons
A favicon (short for 'favorites icon'), also known as a website icon, a page icon or an urlicon, is an icon associated with a particular website or webpage. A web designer can create such an icon, and many recent web browsers can then make use of them. Browsers that support favicons may display them in the browser's URL bar, next to the site's name in lists of bookmarks, and next to the page's title in a tabbed document interface. Click here for both a UCC logo and Stillspeaking Comma favicon.
Logos for the Web
To save on a pc: Right mouse click, save image as. To save on a mac: control key plus mouse click, save image as...
The UCC logo is a registered trademark of the United Church of Christ. The following files may be downloaded and reproduced by congregations of the United Church of Christ for use in print publications and websites. Congregations may modify the colors and increase or decrease the size of the image, but otherwise may not alter the logo in any way without the express consent of the Office of General Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Please note that this permission is restricted to UCC congregations, Associations and Conferences. For any other proposed use, or to order a glossy paper copy of the logo, please contact Barb Powell.
SECTION MENU
About Us
Who We Are
What We Believe
God is still speaking,
Hear Our Stories
UCC Firsts
United Church of Christ Board
Officers of the Church
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Annual Reports
Branding Guidelines
Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Ms. Barbara A. Powell
Associate Director of Publishing, Identity, and Communication
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2175
powellb@ucc.org
Subscribe to Stillspeaking Magazine
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/ucc-logo.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us
UCC Brand Guidelines
Download the UCC Brand Guidelines for more information about the UCC brand standard logo, fonts, colors, motto, graphics and phrases.
UCC Logo
The brand standard version of the UCC logo includes the text "United Church of Christ," the cross-and-orb graphic and the script "God is still speaking." The cross-and-orb graphic includes the double oval with the UCC motto, "That they may all be one" (John 17:21). The Brand Guidelines document includes more detailed information on the acceptable uses of the logo.
Official colors of the United Church of Christ brand
The brand standard colors for the United Church of Christ are red (PMS 186), black and white. The downloadable Brand Guidelines PDF includes CMYK and web hex color information.
Official fonts of the United Church of Christ brand
The UCC uses three distinct typefaces for print, and one for the web. The downloadable Brand Guidelines PDF includes detailed font information.
Impact is used for bold emphatic headlines.
Bodoni Book, a more traditional serif font, used when gravitas is needed. The bold version can be used for emphasis.
Helvetica Neue family of fonts for a more modern, san serif feel.
Online
The Arial family of fonts is the brand standard for all online uses.
Social Media Resources
Best Practices Sheet (pdf)
Slideshow
Download the UCC logo
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - b/w [.eps] 361k
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - color [.eps] 396k
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - b/w [.jpg] 103k
File UCC in stacked words with oval and "God is still speaking," - color [.jpg] 133k
File UCC in stacked words with oval [.eps] 691k
File UCC in stacked words with oval [.tif] 16mb
File UCC in stacked words [.eps] 250k
File UCC in stacked words [.tif] 2mb
File UCC logo [.eps] 688k
File UCC logo [.tif] 9mb
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma [.jpg]
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma - red [.jpg]
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma [.eps] 1.73mb
File UCC Stillspeaking Comma [.tif] 2.63mb
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma [.eps] 374k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma [.tif] 5.27mb
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma [.jpg] 865k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma with "God is Still Speaking," [.eps] 413k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma with "God is Still Speaking," [.pdf] 79k
File Rainbow Stillspeaking Comma with "God is Still Speaking," [.jpg] 312k
File Dios Habla Todavia [.eps] 519k
File Dios Habla Todavia - color [.eps] 525k
Favicons
A favicon (short for 'favorites icon'), also known as a website icon, a page icon or an urlicon, is an icon associated with a particular website or webpage. A web designer can create such an icon, and many recent web browsers can then make use of them. Browsers that support favicons may display them in the browser's URL bar, next to the site's name in lists of bookmarks, and next to the page's title in a tabbed document interface. Click here for both a UCC logo and Stillspeaking Comma favicon.
Logos for the Web
To save on a pc: Right mouse click, save image as. To save on a mac: control key plus mouse click, save image as...
The UCC logo is a registered trademark of the United Church of Christ. The following files may be downloaded and reproduced by congregations of the United Church of Christ for use in print publications and websites. Congregations may modify the colors and increase or decrease the size of the image, but otherwise may not alter the logo in any way without the express consent of the Office of General Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Please note that this permission is restricted to UCC congregations, Associations and Conferences. For any other proposed use, or to order a glossy paper copy of the logo, please contact Barb Powell.
SECTION MENU
About Us
Who We Are
What We Believe
God is still speaking,
Hear Our Stories
UCC Firsts
United Church of Christ Board
Officers of the Church
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Annual Reports
Branding Guidelines
Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Ms. Barbara A. Powell
Associate Director of Publishing, Identity, and Communication
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2175
powellb@ucc.org
Subscribe to Stillspeaking Magazine
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/ucc-logo.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Education > Polity
UCC History and Polity Resources
A place for teachers, pastors, laity and students alike
In 2004 the Teachers of UCC History, Theology and Polity, who meet annually to share materials and pedagogy, prepared a one page description of what a course should cover. The materials on this page are organized around that description. This page is designed to give teachers and others easy access to materials that are often difficult to find. Please choose what is useful and download for handouts, or send students here to read. This is a library, don't assign everything, that would be "too much."
As the list expands, make suggestions for new materials to Barbara Brown Zikmund (beebeezee@verizon.net)
Essential Elements in a (one term) United Church of Christ Polity Class
Click here for a pdf file of the Essential Elements outline
History
•Origins, development, significant documents, major events, important persons in the four primary constituent traditions (Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, Reformed)
•Selected other traditions and/or groups within the United Church of Christ (especially, but not necessarily limited to, African American, American Indian, Pacific Islander/Asian American, Hispanic)
•Founding of the United Church of Christ
•Developments in the United Church of Christ from 1957 to the present
Theology
•Theological documents and texts (e.g. Statement of Faith, Basis of Union, Prism articles, various working papers of the national setting, ecumenical documents, pronouncements of General Synod, etc.
•Worship (including Book of Worship, New Century and other hymnals)
•Ecclesiology (the nature of the church)
•Creeds and confessions ("testimonies, not tests" of what is commonly held among us)
Polity
•Constituent parts of the United Church of Christ—i.e., local church, conferences and associations, national setting, General Synod (Constitution and Bylaws)
•Past and present structure of the United Church of Christ ("covenantal polity")
•Patterns of accountability and autonomy in the various settings of the church
Ministry (Manual on Ministry)
•Forms of ministry—licensed, commissioned, ordained; ministerial partners (CC/DoC); emerging patterns for authorized ministry; ministry of all the baptized
•Structures and patterns of accountability—i.e., ordination, standing, discipline
•Ministerial ethics (Ordained Minister's Code, in MOM; other ethics documents)
•Understandings of ministry in the UCC: "embodiment" and "empowerment" models
The Ethos of the UCC
•Diversity: commitment to be a multi-racial, multi-cultural church
•Justice and witness concerns
•Ecumenical commitments and partnerships (esp. partnership with Christian Church/Disciples of Christ
•Mission
History Resources
Origins of the UCC
A chart showing the origins of the UCC in Christian history.
Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ
A Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ tells our story beginning with our origins in the small community who followed Jesus 20 centuries ago and continuing to the present.
Chart from Balaam's Unofficial Handbook
A one page chart showing the various Protestant groups that are part of the history of the UCC [Unofficial Hdbk]
Gunnemann Chap 6 Congregational-Christian history
A historical overview of Congregational history and the development of the Christian Movement that came together to form the Congregational Christian Churches
Coffin A Brief Outline of the Christian Church
A 15 page short history of the Christian Church written in 1925
Milo True Morrill A History of the Christian Denomination
The classic history of the Christian Denomination published in 1912. [Google bk 407 pps]
Conkin American Originals
A chapter from a book on religious groups rooted in American history. It examines "restoration Christianity" (a movement trying to go back to the simple faith and practices of the early church). The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christians that united with Congregationalists in 1931 and eventually became part of the UCC are described
Gunnemann Chap 7 Reformed and Evangelical history
An overview of the history of the German Reformed Church in the United States and the development of the German Evangelical Synod of North America
Dobbs History of the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania
An early 20th century history of the German Reformed Church in Pennsylvania 1902 [Google bk 357 pps]
Key Dates in United Church of Christ History
An attempt to put key dates from United Church of Christ history on one page [bbz]
Gunnemann Chap 5 Why the UCC?
This chapter is a good summary of the various movements and developments that led to the formation of the UCC
Chronology of Union Steps leading to the UCC
A chronology of the various steps leading to the formation of the United Church of Christ in 1957 [Gunnemann]
Message to the Churches from the Uniting Synod
In 1957 as the Uniting General Synod came to an end in Cleveland, Ohio the Synod passed a message to the churches
United Church of Christ Firsts
This list of UCC firsts is part of the "God is Still Speaking" identity initiative.
Women in the UCC
A 2007 pamphlet by Barbara Brown Zikmund entitled "Celebrating the Memories: Selected Stories about UCC Women 1957-2007"
Hidden Histories in the United Church of Christ: Volume I
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignore in traditional UCC history: American Indians, Afro-Christians, Old School or Ursinus School Reformed history, Armenian Congregationalists, German Congregationalists, Blacks and the American Missionary Association, Deaconess Sisters in the German Evangelical tradition, Schwenkfelders, Hungarians, Woman's Mission Boards and Organizations, and Japanese American Congregationalists.
Hidden Histories of the United Church of Christ: Volume II
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignored in traditional UCC history: Union Churches (Lutheran-Reformed), German Evangelical Protestants, Christians in New England, Biblical Criticism and the Evangelical Synod, Women's Mission Structures, Religious Journalism and the Christians, Otterbein and the United Brethren, Winebrenner and the Churches of God, The Congregational Training School for Women and Chinese Congregationalists.
top
Theology Resources
Heidelberg Catechism
Written in 1583, this moderate Catechism is at the center of German Reformed theology. Instead of celebrating the otherness of God, it reassures Christians that God is their only comfort in life and in death
Good and Harbaugh on the Heidelberg Catechism
An 1849 interpretation of the Heidelberg Catechism by Jeremiah Good and Henry Harbaugh
Schaff Principle of Protestantism
A theological analysis of Protestantism written in 1845 by Philip Schaff--a leader in the Mercersburg Movement within the German Reformed Church [Google bk 215 pps]
Cambridge Platform complete text
The 1648 statement expressing Congregational understandings of the church as local gatherings of "visible saints"
Cambridge Platform
An article by Charles Hambrick-Stowe that interprets the importance of the Cambridge Platform for contemporary Christians
Burial Hill Declaration
In 1865, as Congregationalists began to develop a national identity and national structures, the first General Council of Congregational Churches approved this declaration as a general description of Congregationalism
Kansas City Statement of Faith
Adopted in 1913 this statement summarized the beliefs and polity of Congregationalism at the beginning of the 20th century.
Principles of the Christian Church
In late 18th and early 19th century America, a popular "Christian movement", inspired by new political independence, declared religious independence. Traditional denominations and doctrines were unnecessary. They asserted that Christians needed to agree on a handful of basic "principles."
Theology of the Christian Movement
A contemporary essay by Nathan Hatch that explains how the theology of the Christian movement emerged out of the ideology of political freedom following the founding of the United States of America in the late 18th century
Centennial of Religious Journalism 1908
A collection of materials from Christian publications to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Herald of Gospel Liberty [Google bk 656 pps]
Jakob Spener on Pietism
The text of a classic on Pietism from the 17th century that influenced mission societies and German Evangelical thinking.
Bekenntnisparagraph
In 1848 an interconfessional group of German pastors in Missouri, who had founded the Kirchenverein des Westens (Church Society of the West) in 1840, formulated a "confessional paragraph" that summarized their beliefs about scripture and doctrine (from LTH VI)
Evangelical Catechism
The first edition (1947) of the Evangelical Catechism (in German) was a product of the unionist stance of German Evangelicals on the 19th century Missouri frontier. It was translated into English in the 1860s and revised in the 1890s and the 1920s
Basis of Union with Interpretations
The basic agreement between the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church which led to the formation of the UCC in 1957
UCC Statement of Faith 3 versions
This shows the three versions of the UCC Statement of Faith (1959, 1977, 1981) side-by-side, enabling comparisons
Shinn Historical Reflections on the UCC Statement of Faith
A 1997 lecture at the UCC Historical Council Luncheon by Roger Shinn, who played a major role in the writing of the UCC Statement of Faith
Preamble to the Constitution of the UCC
The Constitution of the UCC was presented to the General Synod of the UCC in 1959 and approved at a special "adjourned session" of that Synod in 1960. The Preamble, especially the second paragraph, is an important expression of UCC faith and practice (from LTH VII)
Steckel on the Preamble to the UCC Constitution
A 2007 brief reflection on the theological meaning of the Preamble to the UCC Constitution that was part of the UCC@50 anniversary booklet
What We Believe
Twelve statements summarizing current theological principles held by most United Church of Christ members.
Introduction to the UCC Book of Worship
This 1986 introduction to the UCC Book of Worship puts worship in historic context and explains many of the common worship practices among Christians
Dipko on the 12 Principles informing the UCC Book of Worship
In the preparation of the UCC Book of Worship (1986) the working group and the designated writer, Thomas Dipko, were guided by these 12 principles
Gunneman on Baptism
A 1985 article by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Baptism: Sacrament of Christian Vocation" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Gunnemann on Eucharist
A 1985 artile by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Eucharist: Sacrament of Discipleship" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Crabtree on Inclusive Language
An excerpt from a 1985 presentation by Davida Crabtree entitled "Rock, Water and Word" (from LTH VII)
Ringe on Feminist Theology
A brief essay (published in 1990) by Sharon Ringe, a UCC professor of New Testament at Wesley Theological Seminary, outlining the major concerns of "feminist theology."
Jackson Indian Perspective
A article by Norman Jackson entitled "An Indian Perspective on the United Church of Christ" published in New Conversations (from LTH)
Essex Black Theology
Excerpts from reflections by a contemporary African American UCC writer on Black Theology (from LTH VII)
Hirano Asian American Theology
Excerpts from a Prism article on Asian American perspectives on UCC theology (from LTH VII)
Armijo on Immigrant Theology
Excerpts from an essay written by a Hispanic UCC member about the ways in which immigration calls for a new kind of theology
Toward the 21st Century
A 1993 statement setting forth four ways in which the United Church of Christ wished to describe itself: a "Church attentive to the Word," a "Church inclusive of all people," a "Church responsive to God's call," and a "Church supportive of one another"
Barrett Theological Worlds in the UCC
An article published in Prism 2008 exploring four different theological perspectives that are alive and well in the UCC
Fackre on Christology in UCC Texts
A 2006 essay by Gabriel Fackre entitled "Jesus Christ in the Texts of the United Church of Christ" in a book Who Do You Say I Am? edited by Scott R. Paeth
Fisler-Hoffman on Covenant
A small book by Jane Fisler Hoffman entitled Covenant: A Study for the United Church of Christ 2008 64pps (made available by permission of the author)
top
Polity Resources
Long on Patterns of Polity
Excerpts from a 2001 book by Edward L. Long entitled Patterns of Polity explaining the way UCC polity is a hybrid of several traditional ecclesiastical organizational patterns.
Statement on Pronouncements
In 1959 the General Synod debated how actions of the Synod should be understood. This Statement (reaffirmed in 1969) states that actions of one part of the UCC are morally binding, even when they are not legally binding (from LTH VII)
Spike on Two Anxieties
An excerpt from a 1963 article by Robert Spike that appeared in the Christian Century describing the concerns of local churches weighing their decision to join the United Church of Christ.
Toward an Understanding of Local Autonomy
A 1969 statement explaining the patterns of freedom and accountability in the concept of "local autonomy"
Delegate responsibilities at wider church meetings
A page from the 1965 records of First Congregational UCC, Washington, DC stressing the fact that delegates are not instructed when they go to wider church meetings. For this reason there cannot be any "proxy" voters.
Bruggemann on "Face to Faceness"
A paragraph from a presentation Bruggemann made in 1977 at the 100th anniversary of the German Evangelical Synod in North America. It highlights the personal engagement that nurtured Evangelical polity
Synopsis of General Synod Actions 1957-1999
An outline of major actions taken by each General Synod from 1957-1999
UCC Ecclesiology
A 1991 paper on UCC ecclesiology prepared as background for restructuring the national setting of the United Church of Christ leading to the new 2000 Constitution and Bylaws.
UCC Constitution and Bylaws
The UCC Constitution underwent major revisions in 2000. Other amendments related to ministry were voted in 2005 and 2009.
Schmeichen on the UCC Constitution
A 2000 Prism article by Peter Shmeichen entitled "The New Constitution: Achievement and Promise"
Hulteen on Covenantal Relationships
A 1997 excerpt from an essay entitled "United Church of Christ Covenantal Polity" by William A. Hulteen (from LTH VII)
Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity
Don Freeman writes about "Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity."
Definition of Covenant
A one page explanation produced by the Northern California-Nevada UCC Conference to explain the meaning of a covenant and a contract
Walker on Covenant Community
A chapter on "covenant" from Randi Walker's book The Evolution of a UCC Style
Restructure Evaluation
A 2004 report of the Restructure Evaluation Oversight Committee to the Executive Council
National Ministries of the United Church of Christ
A chart based on the 2000 UCC Constitution showing the way the national setting of the UCC is organized
Articles on Conferences
Two 1994 articles published in Prism exploring the place of Conferences in UCC polity.
Manual on the Church
A 2005 manual exploring understandings of church based on the concept of "covenant"
General Synod Minutes
Minutes in pdf format since 1999
The Church of Jesus Christ
A 2007 three page excerpt from a Prism article entitled "Maturing in Christ: A Theological Perspective for Conference Ministry" by John W. Lynes. In a very short space it defines the UCC using key quotations from the Constitution and Bylaws of the UCC
top
Ministry Resources
Historical and Theological Perspectives MOM 1977
An essay from the 1977 Manual on Ministry exploring historiccal and theological perspectives on ministry in the UCC
Zikmund Empowerment and Embodiment
An analysis by Barbara Brown Zikmund of the ways two very different understandings of ministry come together in the United Church of Christ
Nevin The Reformed Pastor Lecture I
A lecture outlining a very "high" view of ministry written by John Williamson Nevin, one of the German Reformed leaders of the Mercersburg movement in the mid-19th century
Order for the Ordination to Ministry
The Service for the Ordination to Ministry from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Order for the Installation of a Pastor
The Service for the Installation of a Pastor from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Ordained Minister's Code
A two page statement to guide clergy in professional responsibilities (from the Manual on Ministry)
Charge to a Church
In many Ordination and Installation services there is opportunity for someone to challenge the congregation as it enters into "covenant" to support a new pastor. (from LTH VII)
United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry
The Manual on Ministry is divided into ten sections moving from an overview of the covenantal relationships and underlying assumptions about authorized ministry through preparation and oversight.
Leaders Box
Short one and two page information sheets on useful topics like "theology," "pastor," "ordination," "ministry," "covenant," etc.
Steckel on Authorizing Ministry
A 1999 lecture given by Clyde Steckel at Andover Newton Theological School on how the United Church of Christ has changed (and is continuing to change) the ways it authorizes ministry
The UCC Search and Call (Ministerial Profile)
This link explains how persons seeking a call to authorized ministry in the UCC, and congregations seeking pastoral leadership, find each other through the UCC “search and call” process. A related page explains the Criminal Background Check
United Church Employment Opportunities
This list (updated every two weeks) lists employment opportunities for clergy and laypersons in the United Church of Christ.
The Time is Now: A Guide to Preventing Abuse Prevention Policies
New awareness about abuse problems has led the UCC to develop guidelines for local congregations to develop safe church policies.
Ministry Issues
In 2005 a Ministry Issues Pronouncement was passed by General Synod. Four years later, in 2009, new Constitutional amendments were passed to implement the Ministry Issues Pronouncement. This Ministry Issues resource has all of the documents developed during this process and a new background paper on “Ministry in the UCC”
Jonathan New on "Ministry Issues"
A Prism article (2008) entitled "Balancing Piety and Intellect" reflecting on the impact of the new Constitutional changes related to authorized ministry in the UCC
Walker Episcope
An analysis by Randi Walker of how oversight works in the UCC through Committees on Ministry, Associations and Conferences (from LTH VII)
Yordon on Ministry
Hank Yordon was an active urban pastor for over forty years. His description of his ministry embodies the way many UCC clergy see their calling.
Steckel UCC Ecclesiology at Fifty
After reviewing pre UCC historical understandings of the church, Steckel explores three themes in UCC ecclesiology since 1957: covenantal relationships, the mission of God and radical hospitality.
top
Ethos Resources
Aspiring to be a Multiracial Multicultural Church
A 1993 pronouncement of General Synod upholding the commitment of the United Church of Christ to become a multiracial multicultural church
H. Richard Niebuhr on the Responsibility of the Church for Society
A 1946 chapter in a book entitled The Gospel, the World and the Church. Niebuhr argues that Christians are responsible for society. He condemns irresponsible religion (its worldliness, false prophecy and false priesthood, and isolationism). He affirms the church as apostle, pastor and pioneer.
Living Theological Heritage volume 7 Intros to Parts 4 and 5
These introductions weave together documents linking UCC understandings of theology and social outreach [LTH 7]
Reinhold Niebuhr on Religiosity and the Christian Faith
A brief two page 1955 article by Reinhold Niebuhr published in Christianity and Crisis on the impact of religion in the world
Gallagher on Controversy
A 1963 essay by Buell Gallagher on the importance of healthy controversy in the life of the church (LTH VII, reprint from Social Action)
Thomas on Contemporary Commitment and Catholic Substance
A 1997 statement by John Thomas explaining how UCC social justice commitments flow from universal Christian convictions
Human Sexuality
Excerpts from the 1977 report Human Sexuality: A Preliminary Study (from LTH VII)
Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF)
The Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF), initially the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW), began in 1978 as a renewal movement in response to the Human Sexuality study and out of a desire to reclaim the biblical faith in the UCC. In 1983 it developed the Dubuque Declaration as its Statement of Faith; and in 1984 it reorganized itself into the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF). It offers resources for renewal, reformation, and missions in the Evangelical, United church of Christ.
The Dubuque Declaration
The 1983 statement of faith created by the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW). It remains the basic theological position of the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF).
Just Peace Church Pronouncement
A 1985 General Synod Pronouncement spelling out the commitments of the UCC as a Just Peace Church
Theological Foundations of a Just Peace Church
A 1986 statement at the beginning of a book affirming the United Church of Christ as a Just Peace Church (from LTH VII)
Open and Affirming Resolution
In 1985 the General Synod Resolution upholding the UCC as an Open and Affirming Church (ONA)
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
The Coalition provides support and sanctuary to all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends; it advocates for their full inclusion in church and society; and brings Christ's affirming message of love and justice for all people.
Anti-Racist Resolution
A 2003 General Synod Resolution "Calling the United Church of Christ to be an Anti-Racist Church"
Called to Wholeness Resolution
The 2005 resolution affirming the United Church of Christ's commitment to be a church that is accessible to all (A2A)
Marriage Equality Resolution
The 2005 Marriage Equality Resolution passed by the UCC General Synod
Faithful and Welcoming Churches in the UCC
Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) was formed as a renewal movement within the UCC and identify themselves as evangelical, conservative, orthodox or traditional (ECOT) churches. They stand against the UCC Open and Affirming (ONA) position which welcomes gays, lesbians and bisexuals into church life and reject the Marriage Equality stance of the UCC.
Pastoral Letter on the Environment
A 2008 letter from John Thomas and the Environmental and Energy Task Force
Pastoral Letter on Faith and Science
A 2008 pastoral letter entitled "A New Voice Rising: A Pastoral Letter Engaging Science and Technology" by John Thomas and the UCC Science and Technology Network
New York Times Ad
The New York Times ad which ran in April 2008 in response to the criticisms of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago
Ecumenical Stance of the UCC
A 1973 statement affirming the importance of the ecumenical vocation for the United Church of Christ
Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry
The 1982 text of a World Council of Churches Faith and Order document exploring differences and commonalities around baptism, eucharist and ministry among Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Protestant Christians. See UCC response to BEM.
UCC Response to BEM
In 1985 the United Church of Christ prepared a formal response to Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. It was most concerned about issues related to Ministry.
Ecumenical Partnership with Christian Church (DoC)
A 1989 document spelling out the meaning of "ecumenical partnership" with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
UCC Response to the "Consensus" document of COCU
In the 1960s the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) was an effort to overcome denominational fragmentation and find new forms of church unity. This is the 1989 UCC response to a "consensus" document produced by COCU in the 1980s (from LTH VII)
Formula of Agreement
A 1997 agreement between the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) about sacraments and ministry issues
Relationship Between the UCC and the Jewish Community
A 1987 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of Judaism and the relationship of Christians and Jews.
Relationship between the UCC and the Muslim Community
A 1989 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of the relationship between Christians and Muslims
A Study Resource on Interreligious Relations for the UCC
A 2005 resource to help UCC people think through questions of interreligious relations
Statement of Mission
A 1987 Statement of Mission (sometimes called the Houston Statement) developed by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries (UCBHM) and offered to the UCC as a contemporary interpretation of mission
Thomas "A United Church that Stands for Something”
A 2006 sermon given by President and General Minister John Thomas highlighting his understanding of UCC identity and challenging UCC members live up to what they say the UCC is.
top
Many of these documents are available in the seven volumes of
The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ
click here for a pdf file of the Table of Contents of all seven volumes
The full, 7-volume set of The Living Theological Heritage is now available in searchable PDF on a thumb drive. Click here to order from UCC Resources.
Click here for a single pdf file of the list of documents above
If you are looking for a particular document,
go to the edit function on your browser
and click on "Find on this page",
put in a key word and your cursor will jump to each key word
SECTION MENU
Archives
Certified Educators
Curriculum
Older Adults
Partners In Education
Science and Technology Network
UCC Online Resources
CONTACT INFO
Invest Where Trust Still Matters - United Church Funds
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/education/polity/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Education > Polity
UCC History and Polity Resources
A place for teachers, pastors, laity and students alike
In 2004 the Teachers of UCC History, Theology and Polity, who meet annually to share materials and pedagogy, prepared a one page description of what a course should cover. The materials on this page are organized around that description. This page is designed to give teachers and others easy access to materials that are often difficult to find. Please choose what is useful and download for handouts, or send students here to read. This is a library, don't assign everything, that would be "too much."
As the list expands, make suggestions for new materials to Barbara Brown Zikmund (beebeezee@verizon.net)
Essential Elements in a (one term) United Church of Christ Polity Class
Click here for a pdf file of the Essential Elements outline
History
•Origins, development, significant documents, major events, important persons in the four primary constituent traditions (Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, Reformed)
•Selected other traditions and/or groups within the United Church of Christ (especially, but not necessarily limited to, African American, American Indian, Pacific Islander/Asian American, Hispanic)
•Founding of the United Church of Christ
•Developments in the United Church of Christ from 1957 to the present
Theology
•Theological documents and texts (e.g. Statement of Faith, Basis of Union, Prism articles, various working papers of the national setting, ecumenical documents, pronouncements of General Synod, etc.
•Worship (including Book of Worship, New Century and other hymnals)
•Ecclesiology (the nature of the church)
•Creeds and confessions ("testimonies, not tests" of what is commonly held among us)
Polity
•Constituent parts of the United Church of Christ—i.e., local church, conferences and associations, national setting, General Synod (Constitution and Bylaws)
•Past and present structure of the United Church of Christ ("covenantal polity")
•Patterns of accountability and autonomy in the various settings of the church
Ministry (Manual on Ministry)
•Forms of ministry—licensed, commissioned, ordained; ministerial partners (CC/DoC); emerging patterns for authorized ministry; ministry of all the baptized
•Structures and patterns of accountability—i.e., ordination, standing, discipline
•Ministerial ethics (Ordained Minister's Code, in MOM; other ethics documents)
•Understandings of ministry in the UCC: "embodiment" and "empowerment" models
The Ethos of the UCC
•Diversity: commitment to be a multi-racial, multi-cultural church
•Justice and witness concerns
•Ecumenical commitments and partnerships (esp. partnership with Christian Church/Disciples of Christ
•Mission
History Resources
Origins of the UCC
A chart showing the origins of the UCC in Christian history.
Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ
A Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ tells our story beginning with our origins in the small community who followed Jesus 20 centuries ago and continuing to the present.
Chart from Balaam's Unofficial Handbook
A one page chart showing the various Protestant groups that are part of the history of the UCC [Unofficial Hdbk]
Gunnemann Chap 6 Congregational-Christian history
A historical overview of Congregational history and the development of the Christian Movement that came together to form the Congregational Christian Churches
Coffin A Brief Outline of the Christian Church
A 15 page short history of the Christian Church written in 1925
Milo True Morrill A History of the Christian Denomination
The classic history of the Christian Denomination published in 1912. [Google bk 407 pps]
Conkin American Originals
A chapter from a book on religious groups rooted in American history. It examines "restoration Christianity" (a movement trying to go back to the simple faith and practices of the early church). The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christians that united with Congregationalists in 1931 and eventually became part of the UCC are described
Gunnemann Chap 7 Reformed and Evangelical history
An overview of the history of the German Reformed Church in the United States and the development of the German Evangelical Synod of North America
Dobbs History of the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania
An early 20th century history of the German Reformed Church in Pennsylvania 1902 [Google bk 357 pps]
Key Dates in United Church of Christ History
An attempt to put key dates from United Church of Christ history on one page [bbz]
Gunnemann Chap 5 Why the UCC?
This chapter is a good summary of the various movements and developments that led to the formation of the UCC
Chronology of Union Steps leading to the UCC
A chronology of the various steps leading to the formation of the United Church of Christ in 1957 [Gunnemann]
Message to the Churches from the Uniting Synod
In 1957 as the Uniting General Synod came to an end in Cleveland, Ohio the Synod passed a message to the churches
United Church of Christ Firsts
This list of UCC firsts is part of the "God is Still Speaking" identity initiative.
Women in the UCC
A 2007 pamphlet by Barbara Brown Zikmund entitled "Celebrating the Memories: Selected Stories about UCC Women 1957-2007"
Hidden Histories in the United Church of Christ: Volume I
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignore in traditional UCC history: American Indians, Afro-Christians, Old School or Ursinus School Reformed history, Armenian Congregationalists, German Congregationalists, Blacks and the American Missionary Association, Deaconess Sisters in the German Evangelical tradition, Schwenkfelders, Hungarians, Woman's Mission Boards and Organizations, and Japanese American Congregationalists.
Hidden Histories of the United Church of Christ: Volume II
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignored in traditional UCC history: Union Churches (Lutheran-Reformed), German Evangelical Protestants, Christians in New England, Biblical Criticism and the Evangelical Synod, Women's Mission Structures, Religious Journalism and the Christians, Otterbein and the United Brethren, Winebrenner and the Churches of God, The Congregational Training School for Women and Chinese Congregationalists.
top
Theology Resources
Heidelberg Catechism
Written in 1583, this moderate Catechism is at the center of German Reformed theology. Instead of celebrating the otherness of God, it reassures Christians that God is their only comfort in life and in death
Good and Harbaugh on the Heidelberg Catechism
An 1849 interpretation of the Heidelberg Catechism by Jeremiah Good and Henry Harbaugh
Schaff Principle of Protestantism
A theological analysis of Protestantism written in 1845 by Philip Schaff--a leader in the Mercersburg Movement within the German Reformed Church [Google bk 215 pps]
Cambridge Platform complete text
The 1648 statement expressing Congregational understandings of the church as local gatherings of "visible saints"
Cambridge Platform
An article by Charles Hambrick-Stowe that interprets the importance of the Cambridge Platform for contemporary Christians
Burial Hill Declaration
In 1865, as Congregationalists began to develop a national identity and national structures, the first General Council of Congregational Churches approved this declaration as a general description of Congregationalism
Kansas City Statement of Faith
Adopted in 1913 this statement summarized the beliefs and polity of Congregationalism at the beginning of the 20th century.
Principles of the Christian Church
In late 18th and early 19th century America, a popular "Christian movement", inspired by new political independence, declared religious independence. Traditional denominations and doctrines were unnecessary. They asserted that Christians needed to agree on a handful of basic "principles."
Theology of the Christian Movement
A contemporary essay by Nathan Hatch that explains how the theology of the Christian movement emerged out of the ideology of political freedom following the founding of the United States of America in the late 18th century
Centennial of Religious Journalism 1908
A collection of materials from Christian publications to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Herald of Gospel Liberty [Google bk 656 pps]
Jakob Spener on Pietism
The text of a classic on Pietism from the 17th century that influenced mission societies and German Evangelical thinking.
Bekenntnisparagraph
In 1848 an interconfessional group of German pastors in Missouri, who had founded the Kirchenverein des Westens (Church Society of the West) in 1840, formulated a "confessional paragraph" that summarized their beliefs about scripture and doctrine (from LTH VI)
Evangelical Catechism
The first edition (1947) of the Evangelical Catechism (in German) was a product of the unionist stance of German Evangelicals on the 19th century Missouri frontier. It was translated into English in the 1860s and revised in the 1890s and the 1920s
Basis of Union with Interpretations
The basic agreement between the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church which led to the formation of the UCC in 1957
UCC Statement of Faith 3 versions
This shows the three versions of the UCC Statement of Faith (1959, 1977, 1981) side-by-side, enabling comparisons
Shinn Historical Reflections on the UCC Statement of Faith
A 1997 lecture at the UCC Historical Council Luncheon by Roger Shinn, who played a major role in the writing of the UCC Statement of Faith
Preamble to the Constitution of the UCC
The Constitution of the UCC was presented to the General Synod of the UCC in 1959 and approved at a special "adjourned session" of that Synod in 1960. The Preamble, especially the second paragraph, is an important expression of UCC faith and practice (from LTH VII)
Steckel on the Preamble to the UCC Constitution
A 2007 brief reflection on the theological meaning of the Preamble to the UCC Constitution that was part of the UCC@50 anniversary booklet
What We Believe
Twelve statements summarizing current theological principles held by most United Church of Christ members.
Introduction to the UCC Book of Worship
This 1986 introduction to the UCC Book of Worship puts worship in historic context and explains many of the common worship practices among Christians
Dipko on the 12 Principles informing the UCC Book of Worship
In the preparation of the UCC Book of Worship (1986) the working group and the designated writer, Thomas Dipko, were guided by these 12 principles
Gunneman on Baptism
A 1985 article by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Baptism: Sacrament of Christian Vocation" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Gunnemann on Eucharist
A 1985 artile by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Eucharist: Sacrament of Discipleship" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Crabtree on Inclusive Language
An excerpt from a 1985 presentation by Davida Crabtree entitled "Rock, Water and Word" (from LTH VII)
Ringe on Feminist Theology
A brief essay (published in 1990) by Sharon Ringe, a UCC professor of New Testament at Wesley Theological Seminary, outlining the major concerns of "feminist theology."
Jackson Indian Perspective
A article by Norman Jackson entitled "An Indian Perspective on the United Church of Christ" published in New Conversations (from LTH)
Essex Black Theology
Excerpts from reflections by a contemporary African American UCC writer on Black Theology (from LTH VII)
Hirano Asian American Theology
Excerpts from a Prism article on Asian American perspectives on UCC theology (from LTH VII)
Armijo on Immigrant Theology
Excerpts from an essay written by a Hispanic UCC member about the ways in which immigration calls for a new kind of theology
Toward the 21st Century
A 1993 statement setting forth four ways in which the United Church of Christ wished to describe itself: a "Church attentive to the Word," a "Church inclusive of all people," a "Church responsive to God's call," and a "Church supportive of one another"
Barrett Theological Worlds in the UCC
An article published in Prism 2008 exploring four different theological perspectives that are alive and well in the UCC
Fackre on Christology in UCC Texts
A 2006 essay by Gabriel Fackre entitled "Jesus Christ in the Texts of the United Church of Christ" in a book Who Do You Say I Am? edited by Scott R. Paeth
Fisler-Hoffman on Covenant
A small book by Jane Fisler Hoffman entitled Covenant: A Study for the United Church of Christ 2008 64pps (made available by permission of the author)
top
Polity Resources
Long on Patterns of Polity
Excerpts from a 2001 book by Edward L. Long entitled Patterns of Polity explaining the way UCC polity is a hybrid of several traditional ecclesiastical organizational patterns.
Statement on Pronouncements
In 1959 the General Synod debated how actions of the Synod should be understood. This Statement (reaffirmed in 1969) states that actions of one part of the UCC are morally binding, even when they are not legally binding (from LTH VII)
Spike on Two Anxieties
An excerpt from a 1963 article by Robert Spike that appeared in the Christian Century describing the concerns of local churches weighing their decision to join the United Church of Christ.
Toward an Understanding of Local Autonomy
A 1969 statement explaining the patterns of freedom and accountability in the concept of "local autonomy"
Delegate responsibilities at wider church meetings
A page from the 1965 records of First Congregational UCC, Washington, DC stressing the fact that delegates are not instructed when they go to wider church meetings. For this reason there cannot be any "proxy" voters.
Bruggemann on "Face to Faceness"
A paragraph from a presentation Bruggemann made in 1977 at the 100th anniversary of the German Evangelical Synod in North America. It highlights the personal engagement that nurtured Evangelical polity
Synopsis of General Synod Actions 1957-1999
An outline of major actions taken by each General Synod from 1957-1999
UCC Ecclesiology
A 1991 paper on UCC ecclesiology prepared as background for restructuring the national setting of the United Church of Christ leading to the new 2000 Constitution and Bylaws.
UCC Constitution and Bylaws
The UCC Constitution underwent major revisions in 2000. Other amendments related to ministry were voted in 2005 and 2009.
Schmeichen on the UCC Constitution
A 2000 Prism article by Peter Shmeichen entitled "The New Constitution: Achievement and Promise"
Hulteen on Covenantal Relationships
A 1997 excerpt from an essay entitled "United Church of Christ Covenantal Polity" by William A. Hulteen (from LTH VII)
Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity
Don Freeman writes about "Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity."
Definition of Covenant
A one page explanation produced by the Northern California-Nevada UCC Conference to explain the meaning of a covenant and a contract
Walker on Covenant Community
A chapter on "covenant" from Randi Walker's book The Evolution of a UCC Style
Restructure Evaluation
A 2004 report of the Restructure Evaluation Oversight Committee to the Executive Council
National Ministries of the United Church of Christ
A chart based on the 2000 UCC Constitution showing the way the national setting of the UCC is organized
Articles on Conferences
Two 1994 articles published in Prism exploring the place of Conferences in UCC polity.
Manual on the Church
A 2005 manual exploring understandings of church based on the concept of "covenant"
General Synod Minutes
Minutes in pdf format since 1999
The Church of Jesus Christ
A 2007 three page excerpt from a Prism article entitled "Maturing in Christ: A Theological Perspective for Conference Ministry" by John W. Lynes. In a very short space it defines the UCC using key quotations from the Constitution and Bylaws of the UCC
top
Ministry Resources
Historical and Theological Perspectives MOM 1977
An essay from the 1977 Manual on Ministry exploring historiccal and theological perspectives on ministry in the UCC
Zikmund Empowerment and Embodiment
An analysis by Barbara Brown Zikmund of the ways two very different understandings of ministry come together in the United Church of Christ
Nevin The Reformed Pastor Lecture I
A lecture outlining a very "high" view of ministry written by John Williamson Nevin, one of the German Reformed leaders of the Mercersburg movement in the mid-19th century
Order for the Ordination to Ministry
The Service for the Ordination to Ministry from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Order for the Installation of a Pastor
The Service for the Installation of a Pastor from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Ordained Minister's Code
A two page statement to guide clergy in professional responsibilities (from the Manual on Ministry)
Charge to a Church
In many Ordination and Installation services there is opportunity for someone to challenge the congregation as it enters into "covenant" to support a new pastor. (from LTH VII)
United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry
The Manual on Ministry is divided into ten sections moving from an overview of the covenantal relationships and underlying assumptions about authorized ministry through preparation and oversight.
Leaders Box
Short one and two page information sheets on useful topics like "theology," "pastor," "ordination," "ministry," "covenant," etc.
Steckel on Authorizing Ministry
A 1999 lecture given by Clyde Steckel at Andover Newton Theological School on how the United Church of Christ has changed (and is continuing to change) the ways it authorizes ministry
The UCC Search and Call (Ministerial Profile)
This link explains how persons seeking a call to authorized ministry in the UCC, and congregations seeking pastoral leadership, find each other through the UCC “search and call” process. A related page explains the Criminal Background Check
United Church Employment Opportunities
This list (updated every two weeks) lists employment opportunities for clergy and laypersons in the United Church of Christ.
The Time is Now: A Guide to Preventing Abuse Prevention Policies
New awareness about abuse problems has led the UCC to develop guidelines for local congregations to develop safe church policies.
Ministry Issues
In 2005 a Ministry Issues Pronouncement was passed by General Synod. Four years later, in 2009, new Constitutional amendments were passed to implement the Ministry Issues Pronouncement. This Ministry Issues resource has all of the documents developed during this process and a new background paper on “Ministry in the UCC”
Jonathan New on "Ministry Issues"
A Prism article (2008) entitled "Balancing Piety and Intellect" reflecting on the impact of the new Constitutional changes related to authorized ministry in the UCC
Walker Episcope
An analysis by Randi Walker of how oversight works in the UCC through Committees on Ministry, Associations and Conferences (from LTH VII)
Yordon on Ministry
Hank Yordon was an active urban pastor for over forty years. His description of his ministry embodies the way many UCC clergy see their calling.
Steckel UCC Ecclesiology at Fifty
After reviewing pre UCC historical understandings of the church, Steckel explores three themes in UCC ecclesiology since 1957: covenantal relationships, the mission of God and radical hospitality.
top
Ethos Resources
Aspiring to be a Multiracial Multicultural Church
A 1993 pronouncement of General Synod upholding the commitment of the United Church of Christ to become a multiracial multicultural church
H. Richard Niebuhr on the Responsibility of the Church for Society
A 1946 chapter in a book entitled The Gospel, the World and the Church. Niebuhr argues that Christians are responsible for society. He condemns irresponsible religion (its worldliness, false prophecy and false priesthood, and isolationism). He affirms the church as apostle, pastor and pioneer.
Living Theological Heritage volume 7 Intros to Parts 4 and 5
These introductions weave together documents linking UCC understandings of theology and social outreach [LTH 7]
Reinhold Niebuhr on Religiosity and the Christian Faith
A brief two page 1955 article by Reinhold Niebuhr published in Christianity and Crisis on the impact of religion in the world
Gallagher on Controversy
A 1963 essay by Buell Gallagher on the importance of healthy controversy in the life of the church (LTH VII, reprint from Social Action)
Thomas on Contemporary Commitment and Catholic Substance
A 1997 statement by John Thomas explaining how UCC social justice commitments flow from universal Christian convictions
Human Sexuality
Excerpts from the 1977 report Human Sexuality: A Preliminary Study (from LTH VII)
Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF)
The Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF), initially the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW), began in 1978 as a renewal movement in response to the Human Sexuality study and out of a desire to reclaim the biblical faith in the UCC. In 1983 it developed the Dubuque Declaration as its Statement of Faith; and in 1984 it reorganized itself into the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF). It offers resources for renewal, reformation, and missions in the Evangelical, United church of Christ.
The Dubuque Declaration
The 1983 statement of faith created by the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW). It remains the basic theological position of the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF).
Just Peace Church Pronouncement
A 1985 General Synod Pronouncement spelling out the commitments of the UCC as a Just Peace Church
Theological Foundations of a Just Peace Church
A 1986 statement at the beginning of a book affirming the United Church of Christ as a Just Peace Church (from LTH VII)
Open and Affirming Resolution
In 1985 the General Synod Resolution upholding the UCC as an Open and Affirming Church (ONA)
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
The Coalition provides support and sanctuary to all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends; it advocates for their full inclusion in church and society; and brings Christ's affirming message of love and justice for all people.
Anti-Racist Resolution
A 2003 General Synod Resolution "Calling the United Church of Christ to be an Anti-Racist Church"
Called to Wholeness Resolution
The 2005 resolution affirming the United Church of Christ's commitment to be a church that is accessible to all (A2A)
Marriage Equality Resolution
The 2005 Marriage Equality Resolution passed by the UCC General Synod
Faithful and Welcoming Churches in the UCC
Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) was formed as a renewal movement within the UCC and identify themselves as evangelical, conservative, orthodox or traditional (ECOT) churches. They stand against the UCC Open and Affirming (ONA) position which welcomes gays, lesbians and bisexuals into church life and reject the Marriage Equality stance of the UCC.
Pastoral Letter on the Environment
A 2008 letter from John Thomas and the Environmental and Energy Task Force
Pastoral Letter on Faith and Science
A 2008 pastoral letter entitled "A New Voice Rising: A Pastoral Letter Engaging Science and Technology" by John Thomas and the UCC Science and Technology Network
New York Times Ad
The New York Times ad which ran in April 2008 in response to the criticisms of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago
Ecumenical Stance of the UCC
A 1973 statement affirming the importance of the ecumenical vocation for the United Church of Christ
Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry
The 1982 text of a World Council of Churches Faith and Order document exploring differences and commonalities around baptism, eucharist and ministry among Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Protestant Christians. See UCC response to BEM.
UCC Response to BEM
In 1985 the United Church of Christ prepared a formal response to Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. It was most concerned about issues related to Ministry.
Ecumenical Partnership with Christian Church (DoC)
A 1989 document spelling out the meaning of "ecumenical partnership" with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
UCC Response to the "Consensus" document of COCU
In the 1960s the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) was an effort to overcome denominational fragmentation and find new forms of church unity. This is the 1989 UCC response to a "consensus" document produced by COCU in the 1980s (from LTH VII)
Formula of Agreement
A 1997 agreement between the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) about sacraments and ministry issues
Relationship Between the UCC and the Jewish Community
A 1987 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of Judaism and the relationship of Christians and Jews.
Relationship between the UCC and the Muslim Community
A 1989 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of the relationship between Christians and Muslims
A Study Resource on Interreligious Relations for the UCC
A 2005 resource to help UCC people think through questions of interreligious relations
Statement of Mission
A 1987 Statement of Mission (sometimes called the Houston Statement) developed by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries (UCBHM) and offered to the UCC as a contemporary interpretation of mission
Thomas "A United Church that Stands for Something”
A 2006 sermon given by President and General Minister John Thomas highlighting his understanding of UCC identity and challenging UCC members live up to what they say the UCC is.
top
Many of these documents are available in the seven volumes of
The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ
click here for a pdf file of the Table of Contents of all seven volumes
The full, 7-volume set of The Living Theological Heritage is now available in searchable PDF on a thumb drive. Click here to order from UCC Resources.
Click here for a single pdf file of the list of documents above
If you are looking for a particular document,
go to the edit function on your browser
and click on "Find on this page",
put in a key word and your cursor will jump to each key word
SECTION MENU
Archives
Certified Educators
Curriculum
Older Adults
Partners In Education
Science and Technology Network
UCC Online Resources
CONTACT INFO
Invest Where Trust Still Matters - United Church Funds
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/education/polity/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us > Vision Plan
The Vision Plan of the National Setting of the UCC
Core Purpose
Drawn together by the Holy Spirit, we are a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church, joining faith and action. In covenant with the church in all of its settings, we serve God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world as made manifest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Core Values
Continuing Testament
Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not. God is still speaking,
Extravagant Welcome
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.
Changing Lives
Never place a period where God has placed a comma
Bold, Inspirational Goals (BIGS)
1. Bold, Public Voice
The UCC is a bold, widely-known and respected public voice of Christianity in service of God's ever-unfolding mission.
2. Welcoming, Reachable Congregations
There is a welcoming UCC community of faith that is accessible to all — no matter who they are or where they are on life's journey.
3. Engaged Discipleship
Every UCC person is well-equipped to be growing in faith, biblically-literate, theologically conversant, and active in the national and global mission of the church.
4. Excellent, Diverse Leaders
The UCC has a wealth of prepared, excellent leaders that reflect the diversity of God's beloved community.
Initiatives (as of May 1, 2014)
Reading Changes Lives
A sustained all-church literacy initiative that acknowledges that literacy is a social justice issue and seeks to educate the wider church about literacy's impact on a wide range of social justice issues. An inaugural "One Read" will be launched in September 2014, followed by "March Forth for Literacy" in March 2015 with measurable goals. Additional events and projects will continue throughout 2015.
Extravagance UCC
Launched in July 2013, Extravagance UCC is a new church start and online community that is accessible to all who want to experience and deepen their faith in relationship to the United Church of Christ, without regard to geographic location.
The Congo Initiative
The Congo Initiative is a programmatic emphasis of Global Ministries, the shared ministry of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Introduced in July 2013, this 18-month initiative addresses the Congo crisis by working with our churches and Congolese partners in the areas of advocacy, education, people-to-people exchanges and fundraising support.
Justice Leaders Engaging & Developing (LED)
Justice Leaders Engaging & Developing (LED) is a flexible, biblically-grounded, non-issue-based justice curriculum and training program designed to engage and develop justice leaders for the church and community. The newly expanded program includes webinars focused on justice best practices and strategies to support individuals and congregations following their initial training.
The Stillspeaking Leadership Institute
A unique leadership development network designed to equip, connect, and sustain lay and clergy leaders within the United Church of Christ of all ages and diversities with creative and cutting-edge leadership skills to further the mission and ministry of the church.
Intercultural Ministries Rising
An inspiring model of ministry approach toward Intercultural Multi-ethnic (I'M) Ministries that is led by prepared and committed clergy and laypersons. Extravagant welcome is demonstrated through justice engagement, and diverse practices of hospitality and accessibility, vibrant worship, and faith formation.
The Stillspeaking Worship Institute
An inspiring model of ministry approach toward worship, hosted by diverse local churches or other settings, with an emphasis on the experience of culturally diverse, accessible and replicable approaches to worship — with lived, shared experiences as the primary teaching tools. The first Institute will be held in fall 2014.
Testimony!
Since 2006, more than 250 new UCC congregations have opened their doors, establishing progressive justice-minded faith communities across the United States. That equals more new congregations than at any other time since the 1960s. The Testimony! initiative is working to support even more new UCC congregations that are demonstrating great promise for growth and vitality. The initiative has already raised more than $325,000 toward its initial $1 million goal.
The "Faith, In" Project
Introduced in July 2012 at National Youth Event, the "Faith, In" Project is a missional "God is still speaking," ministry and marketing initiative that further positions the United Church of Christ in its engagement with God's movement in the neighborhoods, towns and cities where God calls us to serve. More than 150 congregations have already lifted up "faith, in" their local communities, and the project continues to bring focus to innovative and community-engaged ministries across the life of the UCC.
Mission 4/1 Earth
Mission 4/1 Earth was introduced, with measurable environmental goals, as an all-church mission initiative during the 50-day Eastertide period in 2013. During this short time period, congregations planted more than 140,000 trees, participated in more 600,000 hours of environmental care, and wrote more than 50,000 advocacy letters about environmental justice. Mission 4/1 Earth's initial event raised significant awareness around the church about climate change and environmental ministries. Congregations continue to participate in designated Mission 4/1 Earth projects and programs.
SECTION MENU
About Us
Who We Are
What We Believe
God is still speaking,
Hear Our Stories
UCC Firsts
United Church of Christ Board
Officers of the Church
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Annual Reports
Branding Guidelines
Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Invest Where Trust Still Matters - United Church Funds
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/vision-plan/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us > Vision Plan
The Vision Plan of the National Setting of the UCC
Core Purpose
Drawn together by the Holy Spirit, we are a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church, joining faith and action. In covenant with the church in all of its settings, we serve God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world as made manifest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Core Values
Continuing Testament
Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not. God is still speaking,
Extravagant Welcome
No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.
Changing Lives
Never place a period where God has placed a comma
Bold, Inspirational Goals (BIGS)
1. Bold, Public Voice
The UCC is a bold, widely-known and respected public voice of Christianity in service of God's ever-unfolding mission.
2. Welcoming, Reachable Congregations
There is a welcoming UCC community of faith that is accessible to all — no matter who they are or where they are on life's journey.
3. Engaged Discipleship
Every UCC person is well-equipped to be growing in faith, biblically-literate, theologically conversant, and active in the national and global mission of the church.
4. Excellent, Diverse Leaders
The UCC has a wealth of prepared, excellent leaders that reflect the diversity of God's beloved community.
Initiatives (as of May 1, 2014)
Reading Changes Lives
A sustained all-church literacy initiative that acknowledges that literacy is a social justice issue and seeks to educate the wider church about literacy's impact on a wide range of social justice issues. An inaugural "One Read" will be launched in September 2014, followed by "March Forth for Literacy" in March 2015 with measurable goals. Additional events and projects will continue throughout 2015.
Extravagance UCC
Launched in July 2013, Extravagance UCC is a new church start and online community that is accessible to all who want to experience and deepen their faith in relationship to the United Church of Christ, without regard to geographic location.
The Congo Initiative
The Congo Initiative is a programmatic emphasis of Global Ministries, the shared ministry of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Introduced in July 2013, this 18-month initiative addresses the Congo crisis by working with our churches and Congolese partners in the areas of advocacy, education, people-to-people exchanges and fundraising support.
Justice Leaders Engaging & Developing (LED)
Justice Leaders Engaging & Developing (LED) is a flexible, biblically-grounded, non-issue-based justice curriculum and training program designed to engage and develop justice leaders for the church and community. The newly expanded program includes webinars focused on justice best practices and strategies to support individuals and congregations following their initial training.
The Stillspeaking Leadership Institute
A unique leadership development network designed to equip, connect, and sustain lay and clergy leaders within the United Church of Christ of all ages and diversities with creative and cutting-edge leadership skills to further the mission and ministry of the church.
Intercultural Ministries Rising
An inspiring model of ministry approach toward Intercultural Multi-ethnic (I'M) Ministries that is led by prepared and committed clergy and laypersons. Extravagant welcome is demonstrated through justice engagement, and diverse practices of hospitality and accessibility, vibrant worship, and faith formation.
The Stillspeaking Worship Institute
An inspiring model of ministry approach toward worship, hosted by diverse local churches or other settings, with an emphasis on the experience of culturally diverse, accessible and replicable approaches to worship — with lived, shared experiences as the primary teaching tools. The first Institute will be held in fall 2014.
Testimony!
Since 2006, more than 250 new UCC congregations have opened their doors, establishing progressive justice-minded faith communities across the United States. That equals more new congregations than at any other time since the 1960s. The Testimony! initiative is working to support even more new UCC congregations that are demonstrating great promise for growth and vitality. The initiative has already raised more than $325,000 toward its initial $1 million goal.
The "Faith, In" Project
Introduced in July 2012 at National Youth Event, the "Faith, In" Project is a missional "God is still speaking," ministry and marketing initiative that further positions the United Church of Christ in its engagement with God's movement in the neighborhoods, towns and cities where God calls us to serve. More than 150 congregations have already lifted up "faith, in" their local communities, and the project continues to bring focus to innovative and community-engaged ministries across the life of the UCC.
Mission 4/1 Earth
Mission 4/1 Earth was introduced, with measurable environmental goals, as an all-church mission initiative during the 50-day Eastertide period in 2013. During this short time period, congregations planted more than 140,000 trees, participated in more 600,000 hours of environmental care, and wrote more than 50,000 advocacy letters about environmental justice. Mission 4/1 Earth's initial event raised significant awareness around the church about climate change and environmental ministries. Congregations continue to participate in designated Mission 4/1 Earth projects and programs.
SECTION MENU
About Us
Who We Are
What We Believe
God is still speaking,
Hear Our Stories
UCC Firsts
United Church of Christ Board
Officers of the Church
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Annual Reports
Branding Guidelines
Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Invest Where Trust Still Matters - United Church Funds
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/vision-plan/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
Home > Advocate for Justice
advocate for justice
Do justice and seek peace
Take Action
Understanding the Issues
Publications & Resources
Training Resources
Justice Events
Neighbors in Need
Make a Donation
Social Media:
..Join the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath
Tips for a green Christmas
Introduction to Just Peace - Course offered by Chicago Theological Seminary
Join the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath
..
1
2
3
4
Previous
Next
We Do Justice - Join Us!
In the United Church of Christ, we do justice. We started in the 60's with the Civil Right movement. We've been advocating for gay rights since the 70's. We took on environmental racism in the 80's. And in 2005, we were the first church in America to endorse marriage equality. We're doing justice. Join us.
"What does God require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8
Take Action!
• Take a Stand for Gun Violence Prevention
This month we mark the 2nd anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Add your voice to the thousands observing the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath by calling for common sense measures to prevent gun violence.
• Thank you Mr. President
Last night President Obama took an important step by announcing an executive action that will provide millions of undocumented people the opportunity to apply for temporary relief from deportation. Thank President Obama for his leadership on this issue.
subscribe
/ to the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/justice/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
Home > Advocate for Justice
advocate for justice
Do justice and seek peace
Take Action
Understanding the Issues
Publications & Resources
Training Resources
Justice Events
Neighbors in Need
Make a Donation
Social Media:
..Join the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath
Tips for a green Christmas
Introduction to Just Peace - Course offered by Chicago Theological Seminary
Join the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath
..
1
2
3
4
Previous
Next
We Do Justice - Join Us!
In the United Church of Christ, we do justice. We started in the 60's with the Civil Right movement. We've been advocating for gay rights since the 70's. We took on environmental racism in the 80's. And in 2005, we were the first church in America to endorse marriage equality. We're doing justice. Join us.
"What does God require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8
Take Action!
• Take a Stand for Gun Violence Prevention
This month we mark the 2nd anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Add your voice to the thousands observing the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath by calling for common sense measures to prevent gun violence.
• Thank you Mr. President
Last night President Obama took an important step by announcing an executive action that will provide millions of undocumented people the opportunity to apply for temporary relief from deportation. Thank President Obama for his leadership on this issue.
subscribe
/ to the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/justice/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
Home > Advocate for Justice > Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Resources
..Neighbors in Need 2013
Neighbors in Need
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Learn more, give & apply for grants.
UCC Advocates in Washington D.C.
2014 Legislative Priorities
We have an opportunity to address economic inequality, militarism, and voting rights in 2014.
People of Faith for Health Reform
Our Voices are Stronger Together
Join the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Justice Leaders in training
Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing
Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (Justice LED) is a program that offers training, leadership skills and support to local churches and UCC members who seek tangible ways to make a better world possible.
Neighbors in Need 2013
Neighbors in Need
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Learn more, give & apply for grants.
UCC Advocates in Washington D.C.
2014 Legislative Priorities
We have an opportunity to address economic inequality, militarism, and voting rights in 2014.
..
1
2
3
4
Previous
Next
Advocacy is hard work!
Luckily, Justice and Witness Ministries has a multitude of resources to help you out. If you can't find what you're looking for, contact JWM at jwm@ucc.org; 216.736.3700. We may be able to locate something you need from one of our many ecumenical advocacy partners. We want you to be equipped for peace and justice work!
Check out our resources below!
Publications
•2014 Legislative Priorities
In order to magnify the voices of our members and our General Synod, the UCC Washington Office has identified several legislative priorities to guide their advocacy work in 2014. We believe these issues – economic inequality, militarism, and voting rights - offer a significant opportunity for UCC advocates to be a bold public voice for justice in the year to come.
•2013-2014 Policy Briefing Book
The 2013-2014 Policy Briefing Book provides information about our church’s concern for national and global issues as they relate to our General Synod Policy and the work of the 113th Congress. Tools for understanding the issues, engaging in advocacy and organizing, and getting your message heard by decision makers are included. This is your one-stop tool for engaging in faith-based advocacy!
Download: 2013 Public Policy Briefing Book | 2013 Libro informativo sobre política pública
To request hard copies of this resource contact Helga Mingione at 216-736-3700.
•Getting to the Root of It
We’ve asked our staff to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. Using our General Synod pronouncements as the basis for these reflections, we hope to provide insights into the issues you care about that are rooted in our shared faith, and can inform your advocacy efforts.
•Witness for Justice
Witness for Justice (WFJ) is a weekly editorial opinion column for public distribution which identifies timely or urgent justice issues. WFJ is a theologically based perspective founded on historic commitment to justice and peace of the United Church of Christ.
•Justice Bible Studies
Advocacy Basics
Advocacy Basics
What is advocacy? Why should I care? What difference can I make? Get an overview of the basics and learn how to form your advocacy strategy.
Biblical Foundations for Advocacy
Two central themes run through the Bible concerning justice. The first is God's all-encompassing love, concern, and mercy for all human beings. The second is our responsibility to love God's earth and to care for God's people. Learn more about our biblical call to engage in advocacy and promote the common good.
Capitol Hill Basics
The key to working with your members of Congress is to remember that they owe their position to votes from your district and state. They are in office to represent your views, which means that members of Congress do pay attention to their constituents, and you can have an impact. Learn how.
Does Advocacy Make a Difference?
Yes! It certainly does. Read more about being an effective advocate.
Media Guide
Think of the media as an opportunity to educate people in your community about the issues you care about and experience firsthand. Local media forums, such as newspapers, radio, or TV cable-access programs, reach many people and are very significant in shaping opinions. People learn from and listen to people they know – people from their communities.
Visit our UCC Washington Office
The goal of our UCC Washington office is to make a better world possible by addressing the systemic problems that we face as a country and as part of the world. Hunger, poverty, peace and security, racism, care for the earth. These are among the types of justice issues that we work to improve through federal policies.
Join the Network
The Justice and Peace Action Network (JPANet) is our electronic grassroots advocacy network. It's composed of individual members and local UCC congregations across the country. The JPANet both educates and engages its members in shaping public policy in keeping with God's vision of a just and loving society and includes:
•Weekly Legislative Action Alerts:
Brief email synopsis of pending legislation or current justice issues, and a call for action each week. Perfect for taking personal action on the justice issues you care about and suitable for posting in newsletters and bulletins.
•Monthly Newsletter:
Includes invitations to regional and national gatherings, resources and opportunities for witness.
Issue Resources and Curriculum
•Justice & Witness Bible Studies
ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES
•A New World/A New Church Anti-Racism Training
•Financial Reparations: A Just Response to the Persistent Economic Effects of Slavery, Segregation, Discrimination and Racism
•Pastoral Letter on Racism 2008
•Sacred Conversion on Race Resource Guide
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
•Homegrown Faith & Justice: Faith-Forming Activities, Conversations, Rituals, and Resources for Families with Children
•God is Still Speaking, About Children
ECONOMIC JUSTICE & GLOBALIZATION
•A Cup of Justice (full presentation)
•A Cup of Justice (short version)
•An Interfaith Statement on International Trade and Investment
•Bread for the World 2009 Offering of Letters
•Calling for a More Just, Humane Direction for Economic Globalization
•Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth
•Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth
•Dandole la Bienvenida a los Inmigrantes a Nuestras Comunidad
•End Sweatshops
•Financial Reparations: A Just Response to the Persistent Economic Effects of Slavery, Segregation, Discrimination and Racism
•For the Common Good – GS 25 Resolution
•Hunger 2009 Global Development
•Intellectual Property
•International Coffee Crisis
•Jesus Was a Low Wage Worker
•Jobs in a Globalizing Economy
•Jubilee and the International Debt Crisis
•New Orleans after Katrina
•Perspectives on International Trade
•Resolution Calling for a More Just, Humane Direction for Economic Globalization (GS 23)
•Saving Social Security from Privatization (GS 25)
•Social Security: Answering God's Call to Care for One Another
•Strong Roots, Fragile Farms DVD Brochure
•The Economic Justice Young Adult Team Report
•Troubled Waters DVD Brochure
•Una declaración interreligiosa sobre el comercio y las inversiones internacionales
•Wal-Mart: A Call for Corporate Social Responsibility
•Welcoming Immigrants in our Workplaces and Communities
•Welcoming Immigrants in Our Workplaces and Communities (Spanish)
•What is Economic Globalization?
•What to do About Sweatshops
•Why Christians Support Unions
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
•Almost Everything You Need to Know About Environmental Justice (English)
•Almost Everything You Need to Know About Environmental Justice (Spanish)
•Environmental Ministries Resources Brochure
•Report to the 26th General Synod — Energy and Climate Work Group
•Toward a National Environmental Focus
•Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty (1987-2007)
HEALTH CARE JUSTICE
•A Sacred Commitment to a Faith-Inspired Vision of Health Care
•Faces of Inadequate Health Care Poster
•Introduction Healthy Connections: Certified Lay Minister of Health Program
•UCC Community Nurse Manual
HUMAN RIGHTS
•Declaración Universal de Los Derechos Humanos
•Human Rights
•One Nation Under God, with Liberty and Justice for All
HUMAN SEXUALITY
•Human Sexuality Resources for Congregations (REV)
•The Bible and Human Sexuality Flyer
IMMIGRATION AND BORDER ISSUES
•Dandole la Bienvenida a los Inmigrantes a Nuestras Comunidad
•Welcoming Immigrants in our Workplaces and Communities
INTERNATIONAL DEBT RELIEF AND CANCELLATION
•Jubilee Congregations Handbook
•Stand Up-Take Action Against Debt and Global Poverty
•Why Drop the Debt-Page 1
•Why Drop the Debt-Page 2
JUST PEACE CHURCH – PEACE WITH JUSTICE ISSUES
•Another World is Possible Resource Manual
•Connecting with Peace with Justice Partners
•"Despair Is Not an Option" – article by William Sloane Coffin
•"Faith Seeking Peace - A Curriculum for People of Faith by WAND
•Just Peace Church Overview
•Just Peace Church Pronouncement (GS 1985)
•Overcoming Violence Bible Study
MULTIRACIAL & MULTICULTURAL CHURCH RESOURCES
•Becoming a Multiracial and Multicultural Church
•Multiracial and Multicultural Glossary of Terms
•Pronouncement Calling Upon the UCC to Be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church
•A Church for All People: Becoming a Multiracial and Multicultural Church Bible Study
PUBLIC EDUCATION
•2009 Message on Public Education
•2010 Message on Public Education
•NCLB Joint Statement—April 09
•NCLB Ten Moral Concerns in the NCLB Act and Talking Points
•NCLB Transforming NCLB Conference Report
•Public Education Justice—Where Do Charter Schools Fit In?
•Whose Child Left Behind? Why? – Final Report of the UCC Public Education Task Force
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & JUSTICE
•Reproductive Health & Justice: Why the UCC is a leader in this area
SECTION MENU
Take Action & Join the Network
Understanding the Issues
Publications & Resources
Justice Training Resources
Neighbors in Need Grants & Giving
Events
Donate
CONTACT INFO
Ms. Helga Mingione
Administrative Assistant
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-3712
mingionh@ucc.org
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/justice/advocacy_resources/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
Home > Advocate for Justice > Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Resources
..Neighbors in Need 2013
Neighbors in Need
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Learn more, give & apply for grants.
UCC Advocates in Washington D.C.
2014 Legislative Priorities
We have an opportunity to address economic inequality, militarism, and voting rights in 2014.
People of Faith for Health Reform
Our Voices are Stronger Together
Join the Justice and Peace Action Network!
Justice Leaders in training
Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing
Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing (Justice LED) is a program that offers training, leadership skills and support to local churches and UCC members who seek tangible ways to make a better world possible.
Neighbors in Need 2013
Neighbors in Need
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Learn more, give & apply for grants.
UCC Advocates in Washington D.C.
2014 Legislative Priorities
We have an opportunity to address economic inequality, militarism, and voting rights in 2014.
..
1
2
3
4
Previous
Next
Advocacy is hard work!
Luckily, Justice and Witness Ministries has a multitude of resources to help you out. If you can't find what you're looking for, contact JWM at jwm@ucc.org; 216.736.3700. We may be able to locate something you need from one of our many ecumenical advocacy partners. We want you to be equipped for peace and justice work!
Check out our resources below!
Publications
•2014 Legislative Priorities
In order to magnify the voices of our members and our General Synod, the UCC Washington Office has identified several legislative priorities to guide their advocacy work in 2014. We believe these issues – economic inequality, militarism, and voting rights - offer a significant opportunity for UCC advocates to be a bold public voice for justice in the year to come.
•2013-2014 Policy Briefing Book
The 2013-2014 Policy Briefing Book provides information about our church’s concern for national and global issues as they relate to our General Synod Policy and the work of the 113th Congress. Tools for understanding the issues, engaging in advocacy and organizing, and getting your message heard by decision makers are included. This is your one-stop tool for engaging in faith-based advocacy!
Download: 2013 Public Policy Briefing Book | 2013 Libro informativo sobre política pública
To request hard copies of this resource contact Helga Mingione at 216-736-3700.
•Getting to the Root of It
We’ve asked our staff to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. Using our General Synod pronouncements as the basis for these reflections, we hope to provide insights into the issues you care about that are rooted in our shared faith, and can inform your advocacy efforts.
•Witness for Justice
Witness for Justice (WFJ) is a weekly editorial opinion column for public distribution which identifies timely or urgent justice issues. WFJ is a theologically based perspective founded on historic commitment to justice and peace of the United Church of Christ.
•Justice Bible Studies
Advocacy Basics
Advocacy Basics
What is advocacy? Why should I care? What difference can I make? Get an overview of the basics and learn how to form your advocacy strategy.
Biblical Foundations for Advocacy
Two central themes run through the Bible concerning justice. The first is God's all-encompassing love, concern, and mercy for all human beings. The second is our responsibility to love God's earth and to care for God's people. Learn more about our biblical call to engage in advocacy and promote the common good.
Capitol Hill Basics
The key to working with your members of Congress is to remember that they owe their position to votes from your district and state. They are in office to represent your views, which means that members of Congress do pay attention to their constituents, and you can have an impact. Learn how.
Does Advocacy Make a Difference?
Yes! It certainly does. Read more about being an effective advocate.
Media Guide
Think of the media as an opportunity to educate people in your community about the issues you care about and experience firsthand. Local media forums, such as newspapers, radio, or TV cable-access programs, reach many people and are very significant in shaping opinions. People learn from and listen to people they know – people from their communities.
Visit our UCC Washington Office
The goal of our UCC Washington office is to make a better world possible by addressing the systemic problems that we face as a country and as part of the world. Hunger, poverty, peace and security, racism, care for the earth. These are among the types of justice issues that we work to improve through federal policies.
Join the Network
The Justice and Peace Action Network (JPANet) is our electronic grassroots advocacy network. It's composed of individual members and local UCC congregations across the country. The JPANet both educates and engages its members in shaping public policy in keeping with God's vision of a just and loving society and includes:
•Weekly Legislative Action Alerts:
Brief email synopsis of pending legislation or current justice issues, and a call for action each week. Perfect for taking personal action on the justice issues you care about and suitable for posting in newsletters and bulletins.
•Monthly Newsletter:
Includes invitations to regional and national gatherings, resources and opportunities for witness.
Issue Resources and Curriculum
•Justice & Witness Bible Studies
ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES
•A New World/A New Church Anti-Racism Training
•Financial Reparations: A Just Response to the Persistent Economic Effects of Slavery, Segregation, Discrimination and Racism
•Pastoral Letter on Racism 2008
•Sacred Conversion on Race Resource Guide
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
•Homegrown Faith & Justice: Faith-Forming Activities, Conversations, Rituals, and Resources for Families with Children
•God is Still Speaking, About Children
ECONOMIC JUSTICE & GLOBALIZATION
•A Cup of Justice (full presentation)
•A Cup of Justice (short version)
•An Interfaith Statement on International Trade and Investment
•Bread for the World 2009 Offering of Letters
•Calling for a More Just, Humane Direction for Economic Globalization
•Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth
•Covenanting for Justice in the Economy and the Earth
•Dandole la Bienvenida a los Inmigrantes a Nuestras Comunidad
•End Sweatshops
•Financial Reparations: A Just Response to the Persistent Economic Effects of Slavery, Segregation, Discrimination and Racism
•For the Common Good – GS 25 Resolution
•Hunger 2009 Global Development
•Intellectual Property
•International Coffee Crisis
•Jesus Was a Low Wage Worker
•Jobs in a Globalizing Economy
•Jubilee and the International Debt Crisis
•New Orleans after Katrina
•Perspectives on International Trade
•Resolution Calling for a More Just, Humane Direction for Economic Globalization (GS 23)
•Saving Social Security from Privatization (GS 25)
•Social Security: Answering God's Call to Care for One Another
•Strong Roots, Fragile Farms DVD Brochure
•The Economic Justice Young Adult Team Report
•Troubled Waters DVD Brochure
•Una declaración interreligiosa sobre el comercio y las inversiones internacionales
•Wal-Mart: A Call for Corporate Social Responsibility
•Welcoming Immigrants in our Workplaces and Communities
•Welcoming Immigrants in Our Workplaces and Communities (Spanish)
•What is Economic Globalization?
•What to do About Sweatshops
•Why Christians Support Unions
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
•Almost Everything You Need to Know About Environmental Justice (English)
•Almost Everything You Need to Know About Environmental Justice (Spanish)
•Environmental Ministries Resources Brochure
•Report to the 26th General Synod — Energy and Climate Work Group
•Toward a National Environmental Focus
•Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty (1987-2007)
HEALTH CARE JUSTICE
•A Sacred Commitment to a Faith-Inspired Vision of Health Care
•Faces of Inadequate Health Care Poster
•Introduction Healthy Connections: Certified Lay Minister of Health Program
•UCC Community Nurse Manual
HUMAN RIGHTS
•Declaración Universal de Los Derechos Humanos
•Human Rights
•One Nation Under God, with Liberty and Justice for All
HUMAN SEXUALITY
•Human Sexuality Resources for Congregations (REV)
•The Bible and Human Sexuality Flyer
IMMIGRATION AND BORDER ISSUES
•Dandole la Bienvenida a los Inmigrantes a Nuestras Comunidad
•Welcoming Immigrants in our Workplaces and Communities
INTERNATIONAL DEBT RELIEF AND CANCELLATION
•Jubilee Congregations Handbook
•Stand Up-Take Action Against Debt and Global Poverty
•Why Drop the Debt-Page 1
•Why Drop the Debt-Page 2
JUST PEACE CHURCH – PEACE WITH JUSTICE ISSUES
•Another World is Possible Resource Manual
•Connecting with Peace with Justice Partners
•"Despair Is Not an Option" – article by William Sloane Coffin
•"Faith Seeking Peace - A Curriculum for People of Faith by WAND
•Just Peace Church Overview
•Just Peace Church Pronouncement (GS 1985)
•Overcoming Violence Bible Study
MULTIRACIAL & MULTICULTURAL CHURCH RESOURCES
•Becoming a Multiracial and Multicultural Church
•Multiracial and Multicultural Glossary of Terms
•Pronouncement Calling Upon the UCC to Be a Multiracial and Multicultural Church
•A Church for All People: Becoming a Multiracial and Multicultural Church Bible Study
PUBLIC EDUCATION
•2009 Message on Public Education
•2010 Message on Public Education
•NCLB Joint Statement—April 09
•NCLB Ten Moral Concerns in the NCLB Act and Talking Points
•NCLB Transforming NCLB Conference Report
•Public Education Justice—Where Do Charter Schools Fit In?
•Whose Child Left Behind? Why? – Final Report of the UCC Public Education Task Force
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH & JUSTICE
•Reproductive Health & Justice: Why the UCC is a leader in this area
SECTION MENU
Take Action & Join the Network
Understanding the Issues
Publications & Resources
Justice Training Resources
Neighbors in Need Grants & Giving
Events
Donate
CONTACT INFO
Ms. Helga Mingione
Administrative Assistant
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-3712
mingionh@ucc.org
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/justice/advocacy_resources/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us
UCC Firsts
Bookmark and Share
Spacer
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/ucc-firsts.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us
UCC Firsts
Bookmark and Share
Spacer
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/ucc-firsts.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us
Constitution and Bylaws
Bylaws of the UCC
or download Constitution and Bylaws in PDF format!
Updated July 2, 2013
PREAMBLE
1 The United Church of Christ, formed June 25, 1957, by the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and The General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches of the United States in order to express more fully the oneness in Christ of the churches composing it, to make more effective their common witness in Him, and to serve His kingdom in the world, hereby adopts this Constitution.
2 The United Church of Christ acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior. It acknowledges as kindred in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.
3 The provisions herein define and regulate the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board and those Covenanted Ministries, Affiliated Ministries, and Associated Ministries, as hereinafter set forth, of the United Church of Christ which are related to the General Synod and describe the free and voluntary relationships which the Local Churches, Associations, Conferences and ministers sustain with the General Synod and with each other. The pattern of relationships and procedures so described is recommended to Local Churches, Associations, Conferences and authorized ministers, to enable them more effectively to accomplish their tasks and the work of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE I. NAME
4 The name of this Church shall be UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
ARTICLE II. STRUCTURE
5 The United Church of Christ is composed of Local Churches, Associations, Conferences and the General Synod.
ARTICLE III. COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIPS
6 Within the United Church of Christ, the various expressions of the church relate to each other in a covenantal manner. Each expression of the church has responsibilities and rights in relation to the others, to the end that the whole church will seek God’s will and be faithful to God’s mission. Decisions are made in consultation and collaboration among the various parts of the structure. As members of the Body of Christ, each expression of the church is called to honor and respect the work and ministry of each other part. Each expression of the church listens, hears, and carefully considers the advice, counsel, and requests of others. In this covenant, the various expressions of the United Church of Christ seek to walk together in all God’s ways.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
7 The Officers of the United Church of Christ shall be a General Minister and President, an Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, an Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries, an Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, and such other officers as the General Synod may from time to time determine. They shall be responsible to and called by election of the General Synod as officers of the United Church of Christ.
Collegium of Officers
8 Composed of the Officers of the United Church of Christ meeting as peers, the Collegium of Officers is responsible for providing leadership for the mission programming of the United Church of Christ and for the implementation of General Synod actions. The General Minister and President is the presiding officer of the Collegium. The Collegium shall attend to the quality of relationships among the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted Ministries and foster a climate of respect, collaboration, and collegiality among various expressions of the church. The Collegium provides a setting for mutual accountability, for mutual reporting, and for assessing the ongoing programs of the United Church of Christ. It shall reflect the commitment of the United Church of Christ to be an inclusive church.
ARTICLE V. LOCAL CHURCHES
9 The basic unit of the life and organization of the United Church of Christ is the Local Church.
10 A Local Church is composed of persons who, believing in the triune God, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are organized for Christian worship, for the furtherance of Christian fellowship, and for the ongoing work of Christian witness.
11 In accordance with the custom and usage of a Local Church, persons become members by (a) baptism and either confirmation or profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; (b) reaffirmation or reprofession of faith; or (c) letter of transfer or certification from other Christian churches.
12 All persons who are or shall become members of a Local Church of the United Church of Christ are thereby members of the United Church of Christ.
13 Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church unite in the United Church of Christ without break in their respective historic continuities and traditions.
14 The following Local Churches compose the United Church of Christ:
a) The Local Churches of the Evangelical and Reformed Church;
b) The Local Churches of the Congregational Christian fellowship which vote to become a part of the United Church of Christ, or which vote to approve this Constitution;
c) Any Congregational Christian Local Church which, although it has not voted to become a part of the United Church of Christ, or to approve this Constitution, votes to join the United Church of Christ after this Constitution is declared in force;
d) Any Local Church which, after this Constitution is declared in force, is accepted, on any basis other than that described in paragraph 16, into an Association, or Conference, of the United Church of Christ;
e) The Local Churches of any denomination which, after this Constitution is declared in force, unites with the United Church of Christ; and
f) Any Local Church in a category not otherwise defined in this article, received upon its request, subject to such provisions as in consultation with the Conference may be specified by the Association within whose bounds it is located, and which are not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
15 Local Churches of the United Church of Christ are represented in the General Synod by the delegates from the Conferences to which they belong.
16 An Association or a Conference of the United Church of Christ may, under such provisions as it deems wise, admit, or continue to fellowship with, any Congregational Christian Local Church which is not part of the United Church of Christ. The names and statistics of such churches shall be kept separately; their members shall not be counted in determining the number of delegates which the Conference is entitled to send to the General Synod or hold elective office in that body, except that no ordained minister who has full standing or ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ shall be ineligible to be a delegate to the General Synod or to hold elective office in that body. No direct or indirect participation by any such Local Church in, or support of, the work of the United Church of Christ, or of any of its Covenanted Ministries, The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ, United Church Funds, or of any Conference or Association, shall be construed as making it a church of the United Church of Christ.
17 The Local Churches of the United Church of Christ have, in fellowship, a God-given responsibility for that Church, its labors and its extension, even as the United Church of Christ has, in fellowship, a God-given responsibility for the wellbeing and needs and aspirations of its Local Churches. In mutual Christian concern and in dedication to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, the one and the many share in common Christian experience and responsibility.
18 The autonomy of the Local Church is inherent and modifiable only by its own action. Nothing in this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ shall destroy or limit the right of each Local Church to continue to operate in the way customary to it; nor shall be construed as giving to the General Synod, or to any Conference or Association now, or at any future time, the power to abridge or impair the autonomy of any Local Church in the management of its own affairs, which affairs include, but are not limited to, the right to retain or adopt its own methods of organization, worship and education; to retain or secure its own charter and name; to adopt its own constitution and bylaws; to formulate its own covenants and confessions of faith; to admit members in its own way and to provide for their discipline or dismissal; to call or dismiss its pastor or pastors by such procedure as it shall determine; to acquire, own, manage and dispose of property and funds; to control its own benevolences; and to withdraw by its own decision from the United Church of Christ at any time without forfeiture of ownership or control of any real or personal property owned by it.
19 Actions by, or decisions or advice emanating from, the General Synod, a Conference or an Association, should be held in the highest regard by every Local Church.
ARTICLE VI.THE MINISTRY
20 The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls the whole Church and every member to participate in and extend the ministry of Jesus Christ by witnessing to the Gospel in church and society. The United Church of Christ seeks to undergird the ministry of its members by nurturing faith, calling forth gifts, and equipping members for Christian service.
21 The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls certain of its members to various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the church for which ecclesiastical authorization is required. Recognizing God’s call, the ecclesiastical authorization is granted by an Association through the rite of ordination, through commissioning, licensing, granting either ordained ministerial standing or ordained ministerial partner standing and other acts of authorization.
22 Ordination is the rite whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation with the person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member whom God has called to ordained ministry, and sets that person apart by prayer and the laying on of hands. By this rite ordained ministerial standing and status as an Ordained Ministerial Partner is conferred and authorization given to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.
23 An Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ is one of its members who has been called by God and ordained to preach and teach the gospel, to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church, and to exercise pastoral care and leadership.
24 Ordained ministerial standing is an ongoing covenant of mutual accountability, as described in Paragraph 25, which recognizes and continues the authorization of that person to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry. Ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ is granted by and held in an Association in cooperation with a local church and confers voting membership in the Association.
25 The Call of an Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner (see Article VII) to a Local Church establishes a covenantal relationship among the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner, the Local Church, and the United Church of Christ as represented by an Association. The Call of an Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner to other forms of ministry recognized by an Association of the United Church of Christ establishes a covenantal relationship among the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner, the calling body, the United Church of Christ as represented by an Association and the Local Church where the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner is a member.
26 Commissioning is the act whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation with a person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member whom God has called to a specific church-related ministry which is recognized by that Association, but not requiring ordination or licensing. By this act the status of Commissioned Minister is conferred and authorization granted to perform duties necessary to and for the specific ministry, and voting membership in that Association is granted.
27 A Commissioned Minister in the United Church of Christ is one of its members who has been called by God and commissioned for a specific church-related ministry.
28 Licensing is the act whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation with a person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member whom God has called to perform specified duties in a designated Local Church or within that Association, mainly preaching and conducting services of worship, for a designated time within a covenant of mutual accountability that includes appropriate supervision and guidance of that Association. The license may be renewed. Voting membership in that Association is granted.
29 A Licensed Minister of the United Church of Christ is one of its members whom God has called and who has been recognized and authorized by an Association to perform specified duties in a designated Local Church or within that Association, mainly preaching and conducting services of worship, for a designated time within a covenant of mutual accountability that includes appropriate supervision and guidance of that Association. The license may be renewed.
30 A Member in Discernment is a member of the United Church of Christ who has been called by God and who is, in covenant with that member’s Local Church and Association, engaging in a time of discernment of that call and preparation for authorized ministry in response to that call.
ARTICLE VII. RECOGNITION AND RECONCILIATION OF THE ORDAINED MINISTRIES OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST AND THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
31 The United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) recognize the ordained ministries of the other church to be efficacious ministries of grace within that church and these ministries to be valid and full ministries of the one Church of Jesus Christ.
32 The ordained ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are reconciled. An Ordained Minister with ordained ministerial standing in one church may function, whenever invited, and as established procedures permit, as an ordained minister to the other.
33 The designations “Ordained Ministerial Partner” and “ordained ministerial partner standing” manifest the corporate and individual nature of the recognition and reconciliation of the ordained ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
34 Each member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who holds ordained ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an Ordained Ministerial Partner of the United Church of Christ.
35 Each member of the United Church of Christ who holds ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ is an Ordained Ministerial Partner of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
36 Ordained ministerial partner standing is authorization granted to an Ordained Minister with ordained ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who has a call to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. This authorization assumes knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ. Ordained ministerial partner standing provides ongoing ecclesiastical authorization to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE VIII. ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCES
37 Associations and Conferences are bodies organized on a territorial basis to perform functions in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
Associations
38 An Association is that body within a Conference of the United Church of Christ which is composed of all Local Churches in a geographical area, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing therein, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers in that Association.
39 Subsequent to the initial organization of Associations in the United Church of Christ, the boundaries of any new Association, or any adjustment of boundaries between Associations, shall be determined by the Associations concerned with the approval of the Conference or Conferences involved. The standing of an Association as a body of the United Church of Christ is determined by the Conference in which it is located.
40 An Association is that body which determines, confers, and certifies to the standing of the Local Churches of the United Church of Christ within its area.
41 An Association is that body which grants authorization that is required for various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the Church. Such authorization is granted through the rite of ordination, through commissioning, licensing, granting either ordained ministerial standing or ordained ministerial partner standing and other acts of authorization. Such authorization may be terminated by the Association.
42 An Association may retain or secure its own charter, and adopt its own constitution, bylaws and other rules which it deems essential to its own welfare and not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
43 An Association is related to the General Synod through its Conference.
44 When an Association meets, its voting membership includes the lay delegates selected by and representing the Local Churches of that Association, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing therein, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers of that Association.
45 Meetings of the Association are held annually and at such other times as may be necessary for the discharge of its responsibilities.
Conferences
46 A Conference is that body of the United Church of Christ which is composed of all Local Churches in a geographical area, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing in its Associations or in the Conference itself when acting as an Association, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers in its Associations.
47 Subsequent to the initial organization of Conferences in the United Church of Christ, the boundaries of any new Conference, or any adjustment of boundaries between Conferences, shall be determined by the Conferences concerned with the approval of the General Synod. The standing of a Conference as a body of the United Church of Christ is determined by the General Synod.
48 A Conference may retain or secure its own charter, and adopt its own constitution, bylaws and other rules which it deems essential to its own welfare and not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
49 A Conference is related to the General Synod as described in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
50 When a Conference meets, its voting membership includes lay delegates selected by and representing the Local Churches of that Conference, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing in its Associations or in the Conference itself when acting as an Association, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers in its Associations.
51 Meetings of the Conference are held annually and at such other times as may be necessary for the discharge of its responsibilities.
Conferences Acting as Associations
52 A Conference may exercise the functions of an Association when they are delegated to it by an Association or where no Association exists.
ARTICLE IX.THE GENERAL SYNOD
53 The General Synod is the gathering of a faith community representative of the wider church to listen for and discern the call of God to the United Church of Christ. The General Synod deliberates, discerns, and identifies the mission of the wider church of the United Church of Christ in God’s world and receives and offers suggestions, invitations, challenges, and assistance in covenant with Local Churches, Conferences, and other settings as they engage in mission together. The General Synod is the representative body of the United Church of Christ and is composed of voting delegates, as described in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. A quorum for the conduct of business shall consist of one-third of the voting delegates, provided that in this number at least two-thirds of the Conferences are represented by at least one delegate each. There shall also be associate delegates and ecumenical delegates, without vote, as determined by the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ or action of the General Synod.
Powers and Responsibilities of General Synod
54 The General Synod has the following powers and responsibilities, provided, however, that no power vested in the General Synod shall invade the autonomy of Conferences, Associations, and Local Churches, or impair their right to acquire, own, manage, and dispose of property and funds:
a) To carry on, directly and through the United Church of Christ Board, as well as through the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries and other bodies, the work of the United Church of Christ, and to provide for the financial support of this work;
b) To create such bodies, temporary or permanent, incorporated or unincorporated, suitable for the discharge of its responsibilities;
c) To organize as required for the transaction of business;
d) To call and elect Officers of the United Church of Christ who shall be chosen from the membership of the United Church of Christ and who shall serve as Officers of the General Synod;
e) To elect all members of the United Church of Christ Board, which shall act as the General Synod ad interim and carry out the United Church of Christ Board’s other responsibilities as described in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
f) To establish and maintain national headquarters for the United Church of Christ;
g) To establish a Treasury, which shall receive funds contributed to the General Synod for the support of the United Church of Christ and for its Covenanted Ministries;
h) To determine the relationships of the United Church of Christ with ecumenical organizations, world confessional bodies, interfaith and other interdenominational agencies;
i) To encourage conversations with other communions and when appropriate to authorize and guide negotiations with them, looking toward formal union;
j) To amend this Constitution as hereinafter provided; and
k) To adopt Bylaws for the United Church of Christ and, as hereinafter provided, to amend them.
Meetings of the General Synod
55 The General Synod shall hold meetings at regular intervals as provided in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. Special meetings may be called in the manner provided in those Bylaws.
Correlation
56 a) The General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board shall consider the work of all Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries. It shall also correlate their work, publicity and promotion, preventing duplication and effecting economies of administration, so as to secure maximum effectiveness and efficiency through careful stewardship of personnel and financial resources.
b) The General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board and each of the Board of Directors of all Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries shall assure that due protection shall be given to all assets, trust funds, including pension funds so that the legacy/historic restrictions on the use of restricted funds and the intended use restrictions of the unrestricted funds of each of the historic ministries are monitored, accounted for, maintained and reported to the United Church of Christ Board to assure that the use of all such assets and funds will be allocated and used based on donor intent, whenever that can be determined.
ARTICLE X. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BOARD
57 The United Church of Christ Board is the successor to and agent for the Executive Council and the Office of General Ministries (including its predecessor offices and bodies: President, Secretary, and Director of Finance and Treasurer of the United Church of Christ; Commission on Development; Stewardship Council; Office of Communication; and ministries of research formerly conducted by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries), and as such continues the work, mandates and legacies of these predecessor bodies and offices. The members of the United Church of Christ Board shall serve as the directors of each of the Covenanted Ministries. The United Church of Christ Board shall be responsible for strategic planning and policymaking. The United Church of Christ Board shall be responsible, with the General Minister and President, for the ecumenical and interfaith relationships of the United Church of Christ in the national setting. In all its work, the United Church of Christ Board shall be guided by the policies established by the General Synod. The United Church of Christ Board shall be incorporated in order to carry out its mandates and responsibilities, including without limitation, performing all legal functions of the General Synod, as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. The members of the United Church of Christ Board shall be elected and shall serve as provided in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE XI. COVENANTED MINISTRIES
58 The United Church of Christ recognizes the call to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed through the work of Local Churches; Associations; Conferences; national expressions; and global, ecumenical, and interfaith relationships. The United Church of Christ is and seeks to be an inclusive, multiracial, multicultural church, accessible to all, engaging in ministries of justice, witness, healing, teaching, and preaching. There are three Covenanted Ministries as defined and set forth in the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ: Local Church Ministries, Wider Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries. A Covenanted Ministry may retain or secure its own charter and adopt its own bylaws and other rules which it deems essential to its own welfare and not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ and in accordance with advice and counsel given from time to time by the General Synod.
Powers and Responsibilities of Covenanted Ministries
59 Each Covenanted Ministry shall have the following powers and responsibilities:
a) To carry out the Covenanted Ministry’s programmatic work, including the historical mandates of its predecessor bodies, as set forth in its Charter and Bylaws, or referred from the General Synod, or as set forth in the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
b) To retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property;
c) To work in covenantal relationship with the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board, and other Ministries to fulfill its mandates;
d) To participate through its Executive Minister in the Collegium of Officers;
e) To participate in the Mission Planning Council;
f) To nominate and elect its Executive Minister as set forth in paragraph 61b;
g) To organize itself as it deems necessary to carry out its programmatic work, including the fulfillment of historical mandates, which shall be carried out in accordance with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, through the United Church of Christ Board;
h) To determine its budget to be submitted to the United Church of Christ Board in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
i) To adopt its own charter, bylaws, and rules of procedure which it deems essential to its own welfare, not inconsistent with the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
j) To hold in highest regard actions by, or decisions or advice emanating from, the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board, another Covenanted Ministry, a Conference, an Association, or a Local Church.
60 Each Covenanted Ministry shall be incorporated in order to fulfill its mandates; fulfill all normal, lawful purposes; and receive, hold, manage, and distribute real and personal property, endowments, and restricted funds in compliance with the terms, conditions, and requirements of said funds. The voting membership of each Covenanted Ministry shall be the members of that corporation’s Board of Directors.
61 The corporation documents of Local Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries shall reflect their covenantal relationship with the General Synod and shall provide:
a) that the members of the United Church of Christ Board comprise the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry;
b) that the Covenanted Ministry shall vest the General Synod with the power to call by election the Executive Minister of the Covenanted Ministry;
c) that any modification of the provisions or powers in a or b above shall be authorized only after consultation with the Collegium of Officers and the United Church of Christ Board and after presentation to the General Synod, and shall require an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all voting members of the Covenanted Ministry;
d) that the Covenanted Ministry must approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property;
e) that dissolution of the Covenanted Ministry shall occur only with an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all members of the Covenanted Ministry, after advice and consultation with the General Synod, and only with provision for the transfer of the ownership, management, and control of its assets and funds to a successor corporation that is legally obligated and empowered to own and carry out the obligations, terms, conditions, and requirements of said assets and funds, as the Board of Directors shall determine. In keeping with the covenantal basis of the United Church of Christ, such successor corporation shall be related to the United Church of Christ whenever legally permissible and appropriate, all as determined by the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry.
62 The General Synod, in covenant with a Covenanted Ministry, may, from time to time, delegate or assign to a Covenanted Ministry such responsibilities as fall within that Covenanted Ministry’s purpose and mission as set forth in the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ and in that Covenanted Ministry’s corporate documents.
63 Each Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ shall report its finances annually to the United Church of Christ Board and to each regular meeting of the General Synod. Each Covenanted Ministry shall submit to the United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee of the General Synod, a detailed request for support of its work through funds allocated from the biennial income goal to be recommended to the General Synod.
Incorporation of Existing and Prior Agencies
64 The Covenanted Ministries listed in paragraph 58 above, acting as successors to and agents for all predecessor bodies related to the United Church of Christ, continue the work, mandates, and legacies previously carried on by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the Board of International Missions, the Commission on World Service, the Congregational Christian Service Committee, the United Church Board for World Ministries, Board of National Missions, Board of Christian Education and Publication, Board of Business Management, Board of Home Missions of the Reformed Church in the U. S., the American Missionary Association, Congregational Church Building Society, Congregational Education Society, Congregational Home Missionary Society, Congregational Publishing Society, The Congregational Sunday School Extension Society, the Congregational Women’s Home Missionary Federation, the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society, Commission for Racial Justice, Office for Church Life and Leadership, Office for Church in Society, Stewardship Council, and Office of Communication.
Local Church Ministries
65 The purpose and mission of Local Church Ministries, to be carried out in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, shall be to encourage and support the Local Churches of the United Church of Christ in the fulfillment of God’s mission. Specifically, Local Church Ministries continues the work of, and acts as agent for, the following predecessor bodies: the Office for Church Life and Leadership, the Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society, the Stewardship Council, the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, and its predecessor bodies: The Board of National Missions, Board of Christian Education and Publication, Board of Business Management, Board of Home Missions of the Reformed Church in the U.S., the American Missionary Association, Congregational Church Building Society, Congregational Education Society, Congregational Home Mission Society, Congregational Publishing Society, The Congregational Sunday School Extension Society, the Congregational Women’s Home Missionary Federation.
Justice and Witness Ministries
66 The purpose and mission of Justice and Witness Ministries, to be carried out in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, shall be to enable and encourage Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and the national expressions of the United Church of Christ to engage in God’s mission globally by direct action for the integrity of creation, justice, and peace. Justice and Witness Ministries continues the work of, and acts as agent for, the following predecessor bodies: the Office for Church in Society, the Commission for Racial Justice, the Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society. It also continues the following: ministries of public policy advocacy in the area of communications formerly conducted by the Office of Communication, ministries of prophetic service and action formerly conducted by the Division of the American Missionary Association of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, ministries of global advocacy in the U.S.A. formerly conducted by the United Church Board for World Ministries.
Wider Church Ministries
67 The purpose and mission of Wider Church Ministries, to be carried out in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, shall be to encourage and support Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and the national expressions of the United Church of Christ to participate in the global, multiracial, multicultural church, and to support United Church of Christ ministries around the world and the nation. Wider Church Ministries continues the work of, and acts as agent for, the following predecessor bodies: the United Church Board for World Ministries, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the Board of International Missions, the Commission on World Service, and the Congregational Christian Service Committee. It also continues the following: ministries of volunteer services formerly conducted by the Division of the American Missionary Association of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries; ministries of the Health and Welfare Coordinating Council formerly related to the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries.
ARTICLE XII. AFFILIATED AND ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
68 An Affiliated Ministry of the United Church of Christ is a non-profit corporation which provides services to or for the United Church of Christ, and whose Board of Trustees is elected by its corporate membership, and which was recognized previously as an Instrumentality by the General Synod.
69 An Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ Board of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ is a nonprofit corporation which provides services to or for the United Church of Christ, and whose corporate membership is nominated and elected by the United Church of Christ Board, and which was recognized previously as an instrumentality by the General Synod.
Pension and Relief Activities
70 The pension activities of the United Church of Christ are administered by a non-profit membership corporation(s) known as The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ and designated as an Affiliated Ministry of the United Church of Christ. The control of each such corporation lies in its members through a board of trustees chosen by the members from a list of persons whose names have been presented to and approved by the General Synod or by the United Church of Christ Board. Persons for this list may be proposed by any member of the corporation(s) or by the Trustees thereof. Such corporation(s) shall report its program and finance annually to its members and to the United Church of Christ Board and to each regular meeting of the General Synod.The General Synod shall from time to time make examination of the practices and developments of such corporation(s).
71 The ministerial relief activities of the United Church of Christ, by whatever corporate bodies administered, are coordinated with the pension activities of the Church through corporation(s) above described. The pension and the relief corporation(s) shall submit to the United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee of the General Synod, a request for allocation of sufficient funds, from the budget to be approved by the United Church of Christ Board, for the payment of ministerial relief benefits and such other benefits as the United Church of Christ Board may provide. Payment of such benefits shall be limited to the funds received for that purpose.
United Church Funds
72 The United Church Funds, Inc., is designated as an Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ to receive gifts from individuals and organizations, to hold such funds and property as may be entrusted or conveyed to it by the General Synod and other organizations, and administer, invest, and reinvest the same and other funds in trust or otherwise, as set forth in the Bylaws.
73 The United Church Funds shall report its program and finances annually to the United Church of Christ Board and to each regular meeting of the General Synod, and shall submit to the United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee of the General Synod, a detailed request for support of its work through funds allocated from the biennial income goal to be recommended to the General Synod.
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS
The Constitution
74 Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a Conference, the General Synod or the United Church of Christ Board. Such proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ at least three months prior to a meeting of the General Synod to which they are to be presented. At least two months prior to the meeting of the General Synod, the General Minister and President shall transmit such proposed amendments to the delegates, to the Conferences and to the Local Churches. Adoption of an amendment to the Constitution shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting in the General Synod and, before the next regular meeting of the General Synod, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Conferences. If so approved the General Synod, if in session, or the United Church of Christ Board, shall declare the amendment adopted and in force.1
The Bylaws
75 Amendments to the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ may be proposed by an Association, a Conference, the General Synod, or the United Church of Christ Board. Such proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ at least three months prior to the meeting of the General Synod to which they are to be presented. At least two months prior to the meeting of the General Synod, the General Minister and President shall transmit such proposed amendments to the delegates, to the Conferences and to the Local Churches. Any Bylaw that is contingent upon a
Constitutional provision shall not be effective until after the Constitutional provision is ratified and declared in force. Adoption of an amendment to the Bylaws shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting in the General Synod, and shall be effective upon adoption unless otherwise set forth in the vote.
1The General Synod declared the original Constitution of the United Church of Christ in force June, 1961, upon ratification of 2/3 of the Synods of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and by 2/3 of the Congregational Christian churches voting.
Bylaws of the United Church of Christ
PREAMBLE
100 These Bylaws, consistent with the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, further define and/or regulate the General Synod and its relationships with the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries and Other Bodies which are related to the General Synod, and the United Church of Christ Board, and describe the free and voluntary relationships which the Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and ordained, commissioned and licensed Ministers sustain with the General Synod and with one another. The pattern of relationships and procedures so described is recommended to Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and authorized ministers to enable them more effectively to accomplish their tasks and the work of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE I. THE MINISTRY
Members in Discernment
101 A member of a United Church of Christ local church wishing to explore God’s call to ministry, and the potential of that call leading to authorized ministry (ordained, commissioned or licensed), requests, along with the member’s local church, to enter a Covenant of Discernment with the Association.
102 The Committee on Ministry of the member’s Association interviews the member to decide whether to join with the member and the local church in a covenant of discernment. The goal of discernment is to determine whether the member is called to authorized ministry, what the specific character of that ministry might be, and, if authorization is appropriate, what steps are to be taken toward authorization. Normally a covenant of discernment leading to authorization is expected to be for not less than two years.
103 The Association and the local church are in a mutual covenant with the Member in Discernment to offer support, counsel, and direction during this time of decision making and preparation.
104 A Member in Discernment who is called to authorized ministry will follow a plan of preparation for that ministry which has been prepared with the Association Committee on Ministry. With respect to ordained ministry, a bachelor’s degree and Master of Divinity may be included in the plan.
Ordained Ministry
105 Not more than six months prior to the completion of theological preparation for authorization, a Member in Discernment preparing for the ordained ministry applies with his or her Local Church to its Association for approval as a candidate for ordination. If the service of ordination is to be performed within an Association other than that of the Member, the procedure, including that described in the following paragraph, is initiated by that Association after consultation with the Association which is in covenant with the Member in Discernment.
106 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with respect to Christian faith; character; ability to do the work expected; preparation to meet the responsibilities of the office; educational and theological attainments; and knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ. If, following this examination, the committee is satisfied with the fitness of the Member in Discernment, it makes an affirmative recommendation to the Association. In turn, upon receipt of this recommendation, the Association may opt for further examination or proceed immediately to authorize the ordination, subject to a call recognized by the Association.
107 Ordination by an Association of the United Church of Christ, in cooperation with the Local Church, confers ordained ministerial standing as an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ and status as an Ordained Ministerial Partner of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
108 After the ordination or in anticipation of it, a certificate is issued bearing the signatures of the proper officers of the Association and the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
Ordained Ministerial Standing
109 An Ordained Minister moving from the bounds of one Association to another applies for a transfer of ordained ministerial standing to the new Association.
110 An Ordained Minister engaged in local church ministry has standing in the Association in which the Local Church served has standing. An Ordained Minister engaged in other than local church ministry has standing in the Association where his or her Local Church membership is held.
111 An Ordained Minister engaged in a ministry requiring prolonged absence from the United States, or one that does not permit a fixed residence, is entitled to have ordained ministerial standing in the Association of his or her choice.
112 An Ordained Minister who withdraws from active service in the ordained ministry prior to retirement applies to his or her Association for leave of absence. The Association may grant such leave of absence for one year at a time. Except in special cases such leave of absence is not granted for more than five years in succession.
113 An Ordained Minister retiring from active service by reason of age or disability retains ordained ministerial standing in the Association of his or her choice.
114 An Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ serving a Local Church not affiliated with the United Church of Christ or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or serving a local church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) without ordained ministerial partner standing retains ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ so long as his or her Association approves.
115 The church membership of an authorized minister serving in local church ministry shall be in the Local Church served. The church membership of an authorized minister serving in a setting other than local church ministry, or of an authorized minister without fixed residence shall be in a Local Church of the United Church of Christ in the Association where he or she holds or seeks authorized ministerial standing.
Ordained Ministers from Other Denominations
116 A person has ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ only when serving a United Church of Christ calling body.
117 Upon demonstrating knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ to the Association in which the person resides, an Ordained Ministerial Partner may seek a call in the United Church of Christ.
118 An Ordained Ministerial Partner who accepts a call in the United Church of Christ applies for ordained ministerial partner standing to the Association in which Local Church membership is held.
119 When an Ordained Ministerial Partner accepts a call to a Local Church, the Partner and the Local Church join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation.
120 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in an Association shall hold membership in a Local Church of the United Church of Christ.
121 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in an Association shall maintain ordained ministerial standing within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Region in which the United Church of Christ calling body is located.
122 A person who has ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ, and who accepts a call in another Association, shall apply for a transfer of ordained ministerial partner standing to the new Association.
123 When a disciplinary review is instituted in relation to a person holding ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ, the Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in which the person’s ordained ministerial standing is maintained shall be informed and invited to participate in the procedures.
124 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall maintain ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. Ordained ministerial standing shall be held in the Association in which local church membership is held.
125 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall hold local church membership in a local church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
126 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall relate to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for his or her primary support and accountability in ordained ministry.
127 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is subject to periodic review by the Association in which ordained ministerial standing is maintained.
128 When a disciplinary procedure is instituted by a Region in relation to a person holding ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Church of Christ Association in which standing is held shall be informed and invited to participate. The Association may accept the procedures and outcome of the Region or utilize its own procedures to determine the person’s ongoing standing in the United Church of Christ.
129 When a person no longer has ordained ministerial standing in either the United Church of Christ or Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), that person is no longer an Ordained Ministerial Partner and ordained ministerial partner standing is nullified.
130 An ordained minister of another denomination who desires to enter the ordained ministry of the United Church of Christ applies for Privilege of Call to the Association within whose bounds he or she resides.
131 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the applicant as to his or her abilities, reasons for desiring to enter the ordained ministry of the United Church of Christ, educational and theological attainments, knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ, and Christian faith and experience. If the applicant is found to be qualified, the Association grants Privilege of Call, thereby commending said applicant for placement in the United Church of Christ. Privilege of Call shall be granted for a period of one year and may be renewed. After accepting a call, the Ordained Minister applies for ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ to the Association of which the Local Church extending the call is a part.
132 A certificate granting Privilege of Call is issued bearing the signatures of the proper officer of the Association and the General Minister and President.
133 An ordained minister of another denomination other than the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) who wishes to retain ordained ministerial standing in that denomination and who has become pastor of a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, or serves in a Covenanted, Affiliated or Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ, or has become pastor of a yoked charge or a federated church one part of which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, or has been called to an ecumenical ministry one constituent of which is the United Church of Christ, may apply to the Association for dual ordained ministerial standing which is limited to duration of that pastorate or that responsibility, and during that period may have all the rights and privileges of such membership.
Commissioned Ministers
134 A Member in Discernment seeking initial recognition and authorization as a Commissioned Minister applies with his or her Local Church to the Association of which that church is a member.
135 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with respect to Christian faith, character, ability to do the work expected and preparation to meet the responsibilities of the office to be filled, and make its recommendation of fitness to the Association. If upon acceptance of the recommendation or upon further examination and decision by the Association itself, the applicant is found to be qualified, commissioning thereby is authorized.
136 A certificate designating the applicant as Commissioned Minister is issued bearing the signatures of proper officers of the Association and the General Minister and President.
137 A Commissioned Minister is listed separately from Ordained Ministers and from Licensed Ministers on the rolls of the Association which has commissioned him or her.
138 A Commissioned Minister moving from the bounds of one Association to another and who continues in the specific church-related ministry, applies for a transfer of the commission to the new Association.
139 A Commissioned Minister seeking to be commissioned for a new or different church-related ministry applies to the Association for commissioning for the new ministry.
140 A Commissioned Minister who ceases to function in the specific church-related ministry to which he or she was commissioned resigns the commission or applies to the Association for leave of absence. Leave of absence is granted for one year at a time, but not more than three consecutive years.
141 A Commissioned Minister who retires from service as a Commissioned Minister may be recognized by the Association as a Retired Commissioned Minister of the United Church of Christ. Voting membership in that Association is thereby granted. Such recognition is regularly reviewed.
Licensed Ministers
142 A Member in Discernment seeking recognition and authorization as a Licensed Minister applies with his or her Local Church to the Association of which that church is a member.
143 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with respect to Christian faith, character, ability to do the work expected, preparation to meet the responsibilities of the office, educational and theological attainments, and knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ. If the applicant is found to be qualified, a license is granted by the Association for not more than one year to serve in a designated Local Church or within that Association. Following a review by the Committee on Ministry, the license may be renewed annually for two more years after which the Association may grant the license for a time determined to be appropriate.
144 At the request of the Local Church which the person serves, the Association may grant the Licensed Minister the right to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church for this Local Church.
145 A Licensed Minister is listed separately from Ordained Ministers and from Commissioned Ministers on the rolls of the Association which has licensed him or her.
146 A Licensed Minister who retires from service as a Licensed Minister may be recognized by the Association as a Retired Licensed Minister of the United Church of Christ. Voting membership in that Association is thereby granted. Such recognition is regularly reviewed.
Calling, Installing and Terminating a Pastor
147 It is the responsibility of a committee of the Local Church to seek a candidate for a vacancy in the office of pastor.
148 In filling a vacancy or in securing pastoral services during the period of a vacancy, the committee of the Local Church, through its Conference Minister, obtains counsel and access to the services of the “Search and Call” process of the United Church of Christ.
149 The committee of a Local Church requests the Conference Minister to secure relevant information about any Ordained Minister, Ordained Ministerial Partner, or Licensed Minister whom it wishes to consider or who requests to be considered for the vacancy.
150 Any Ordained Minister, Ordained Ministerial Partner, or Licensed Minister may confer with the Conference Minister concerning a pastoral vacancy. At the Ordained Minister’s request or at the request of the Ordained Ministerial Partner, his or her name shall be submitted by the Conference Minister for consideration by the committee of any Local Church where there is a pastoral vacancy.
151 All vacancies within the Conference shall be reported promptly to the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President by the Conference Minister.
152 The Committee of the Local Church presents to the church the name of a candidate it recommends to fill the vacancy. The Local Church determines whether or not it wishes to call the person recommended.
153 In the call the terms of the pastoral relationship are stated, including the agreement of the Local Church to participate in the pension fund on the pastor’s behalf. The pastor, the Local Church, Association Committee on Ministry, and the Conference Minister should each receive a copy of the call. The Conference Minister shall inform the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President when the call has been accepted.
154 When an Ordained Minister or Licensed Minister accepts a call to a Local Church, the Minister and the church join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation or recognition.
155 Report of the service of installation or recognition is signed by the proper officer of the Association and by the Conference Minister, and is forwarded to the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President.
156 When a pastor or a Local Church decides to terminate the pastoral relationship, notice of the decision is sent to the Conference Minister and the Association. The Association takes action appropriate to the dissolution of the pastoral relationship. The Conference Minister promptly informs the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President of these actions.
Ministerial Accountability
157 All authorized ministers of the United Church of Christ are active partners in a covenant of mutual accountability with their Association of standing, their Local Church, and, in the case of those serving in settings other than a local church, with their calling body. Such a covenant includes, but is not limited to, mutual support and care, continued discernment of call, and lifelong learning.
158 All authorizations for ordained ministerial standing, for ordained ministerial partner standing, and for commissioned and licensed ministry granted by an Association are subject to oversight by that Association, including periodic consultation and review.
159 The discipline of Ordained Ministers, persons with ordained ministerial partner standing, Commissioned Ministers, and Licensed Ministers is the responsibility of the Association in which their current ecclesiastical authorization is held.
ARTICLE II. ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCES
Associations
160 An Association elects officers and elects or appoints such committees as it deems necessary for the transaction of its business and the correlation of its work with that of the Conference and the General Synod.
161 An Association determines its own method for securing financial support.
162 An Association is concerned with the welfare of all Local Churches within its boundaries.
163 An Association seeks ways and means to assist Local Churches when they are undergoing unusual difficulties requiring help beyond their own resources.
164 An Association offers encouragement, guidance, and assistance in the organization of new Local Churches.
165 An Association, with the counsel of the Conference, receives Local Churches into the United Church of Christ.
166 An Association covenants with members of the United Church of Christ within that Association as together they discern God’s call to authorized ministry and prepare for ordination, commissioning or licensing.
167 An Association ordains, commissions, and licenses qualified candidates; grants standing as a covenantal relationship with ordained ministers, licensed ministers, commissioned ministers, and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing; certifies to, transfers, and terminates ordained ministerial standing, ordained ministerial partner standing, commissioned ministerial standing and licenses; installs Ordained Ministers and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing; covenants with licensed ministers, commissioned ministers, and the local churches to which they are called; grants privilege of call and leaves of absence; reviews and disciplines Ordained, Commissioned, and Licensed Ministers and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing; and verifies that an Ordained Ministerial Partner has demonstrated knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ.
168 An Association receives and acts upon business referred to it by its Local Churches, its Conference, the General Synod, and other bodies.
169 An Association may petition and overture its Conference or the General Synod.
Conferences
170 A Conference elects officers and elects or appoints such committees as it deems necessary for the transaction of its business and the correlation of its work with that of the General Synod.
171 A Conference employs such salaried personnel as its program may require.
172 A Conference receives and acts upon business, requests, counsel, and references from Local Churches, Associations, the General Synod, and other bodies.
173 A Conference provides names to the General Synod Nominating Committee as requested.
174 A Conference may petition and overture the General Synod.
175 A Conference chooses delegates and alternate delegates to the General Synod in accordance with the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and these Bylaws.
176 A Conference receives from the Local Churches contributions for Our Church’s Wider Mission and keeps detailed record of the same.
177 A Conference consults on a regular basis with the General Minister and President, or his or her designee, acting on behalf of the General Synod, to reach mutual agreement upon the percentage, or the dollar amount, of the undesignated gifts for Our Church’s Wider Mission to be retained for its own support.
178 Upon the basis of the agreed upon percentage, or dollar amount, the Conference each month retains the amount necessary for its own support and forwards the balance to the treasury office of the national setting.
179 A Conference, in the interest of the Local Churches, discharges those duties and provides those services which will strengthen the witness of the United Church of Christ, such as:
a) Coordinating the work and witness of the Local Churches and Associations;
b) Rendering counsel to Local Churches and ministers in situations calling for help beyond their own resources;
c) Rendering an advisory service to Local Churches and to ministers with reference to pastoral placement;
d) Establishing and maintaining Conference offices, Conference centers, institutions, and other agencies needful to its growth and welfare;
e) Sponsoring in-service training for ministers; and
f) Conducting conferences, retreats, clinics, and workshops.
180 A Conference maintains ecumenical and interfaith relations within its boundaries with other Christian fellowships to the end that mutual understanding and cooperation may be advanced.
ARTICLE III. GENERAL SYNOD
Meetings of the General Synod
181 Regular meetings of the General Synod shall be held biennially.
182 Special meetings of the General Synod may be called by resolution of the General Synod, by the United Church of Christ Board, or upon receipt of a petition from at least seven Conferences. A special meeting so petitioned shall be convened not earlier than sixty days nor later than one hundred and twenty days after the petition is received by the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. The petition and the call for a special meeting shall contain a statement of the purpose of the meeting. In any special meeting only such business may be transacted as is specified in the call.
183 The time and place of all meetings of the General Synod shall be determined by the United Church of Christ Board unless otherwise directed by the General Synod.
184 The call for any meeting of the General Synod shall be signed by the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Such call shall be issued at least six months prior to a regular meeting and at least forty-five days prior to a special meeting of the General Synod. All calls shall be sent to the Conferences and the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries, and notice of these calls shall be transmitted to the Local Churches.
185 All proceedings of the General Synod shall, unless otherwise provided for, be governed by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, as amended.
186 Expenses of General Synod delegates, including travel expenses for meetings of the General Synod, shall be the responsibility of the sending groups, except expenses of Conference voting delegates as negotiated with the Conferences shall be borne by the General Synod.
Membership of the General Synod
187 The membership of the General Synod shall consist of voting delegates and associate delegates. Visitors shall be welcome.
188 Voting Delegates Voting delegates shall consist of Conference delegates, all members of the United Church of Christ Board, delegates named by the Historically Underrepresented Groups, and the Officers of the United Church of Christ, as these are hereinafter defined. Each voting delegate to General Synod shall be entitled to a single vote at the General Synod.
189 Conference Delegates The number of Conference delegates shall be allocated to each Conference by the United Church of Christ Board on the basis of the number of persons who have membership in the Local Churches of the Conference. There shall not, however, be fewer than three delegates allocated to any Conference. The total number of Conference delegates in any biennium shall not be fewer than 675 nor more than 725. Delegates and alternate delegates shall be chosen by each Conference from among its authorized ministers in full standing and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing and the members of its Local Churches. Conferences may initiate and consider nominations from the Associations. From each Conference, except in Conferences having three delegates, (a) lay persons shall constitute at least fifty percent of the delegates and (b) the delegation shall reflect the United Church of Christ’s commitment to affirmative action; it shall be representative of racial and ethnic persons (Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders), women and youth and young adults (at least twenty percent of each delegation shall be under 30 years of age at the time of the commencing of their terms, and where possible, be represented equally by (1) youth, persons of high school age; and (2) young adults, persons graduated from high school or over 19 years of age). In Conferences with three delegates the above requirements for representation are recommended but shall not be mandatory. Despite any lack of exact compliance with these requirements, actions of a General Synod which is constituted in substantial compliance with these representation requirements, as determined by the United Church of Christ Board, shall be valid.
190 The term of Conference delegates, other than any elected to fill unexpired terms, shall begin at the opening of the next regular meeting of the General Synod following their election and shall continue for a period of four years, terminating at the opening of the third regular meeting of the General Synod following such election; provided, however, that each Conference delegation shall be divided into two classes with terms expiring in alternate bienniums. When the number in one class from a given Conference exceeds the number in the other class by more than one, the Conference shall at the earliest possible opportunity make use of a two-year term for one delegate or fill any delegate vacancy that may occur in such a way as to equalize the two classes. No delegate who has served a second consecutive four-year term shall again be elected until after at least two years have elapsed. Delegates shall be members of all regular and special meetings of the General Synod which are held during their term of office unless they have become separated from the Conference which elected them.
191 United Church of Christ Board Delegates The members of the United Church of Christ Board shall be voting delegates at the General Synod, and their term shall be concurrent with their terms as members of the United Church of Christ Board.
192 Historically Underrepresented Groups Delegates There shall be thirty-two (32) Historically Underrepresented Groups delegates, four (4) from each of the Historically Underrepresented Groups: Council for American Indian Ministry; Council for Hispanic Ministries; Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice; Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries; United Black Christians; UCC Disabilities Ministries; Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries; and United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns. The term of Historically Underrepresented Groups delegates, other than any elected to fill unexpired terms, shall begin at the opening of the next regular meeting of the General Synod following their election and shall continue for a period of four years, terminating at the opening of the third regular meeting of the General Synod following such election. No delegate who has served a second consecutive four-year term shall again be elected until after at least two years have elapsed.
193 Officers of the Church The General Minister and President, Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, and Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries shall be voting delegates at the General Synod.
194 Associate Delegates Unless otherwise serving as a voting delegate to General Synod, the chairperson of the governing body and the principal minister(s) or executive(s) of each Conference; the chairperson of each Task Force created by the General Synod not otherwise represented on the United Church of Christ Board; the chairperson of each General Synod standing committee; a representative of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ); and one representative of each of the seminaries of the United Church of Christ not otherwise represented, chosen by the seminary, shall be Associate Delegates, with voice but without vote.
195 Ecumenical Delegates In each biennium the United Church of Christ Board may invite a representative from each of its U.S. full communion partners as an associate delegate to the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. In addition, the United Church of Christ Board may invite a representative from up to three (3) other partner churches in the United States. These representatives shall be accorded the same privileges as Associate Delegates. Board and lodging for the Ecumenical Delegates shall be borne by the General Synod or through other appropriate financial means.
Moderators of the General Synod
196 The Moderator shall be elected by the General Synod. The office of Moderator shall be filled alternately by lay persons and authorized ministers or persons with ordained ministerial partner standing. The Moderator shall take office upon the adjournment of the regular meeting at which he or she is elected and shall hold office through the next regular meeting or until a successor has been qualified and installed.
197 The Moderator shall preside at the sessions of the General Synod.
198 There shall be elected an Assistant Moderator of the General Synod to assist the Moderator in presiding at sessions of the General Synod. The Assistant Moderator shall take office upon adjournment of the regular meeting at which he or she was elected and shall hold office through the next regular meeting. The Assistant Moderator will be eligible for nomination and election to the position of Moderator, upon completion of the term of Assistant Moderator.
199 The Moderator and Assistant Moderator shall include an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and a layperson, and shall reflect the diversity to which the United Church of Christ is committed.
Committees of the General Synod
200 The General Synod shall have such Committees as it may deem necessary, including but not limited to those named hereafter.
201 Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee shall consist of 16 members elected by the General Synod as follows:
a) Ten members will be elected from a pool of nominees provided by the Conferences, as follows: At least nine months before each regular meeting of the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board shall invite each Conference not currently represented on the Nominating Committee to submit the name of an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and the name of a layperson for possible membership on the Nominating Committee as an at-large member. The United Church of Christ Board shall submit these names, to the General Synod. Not more than one of the at-large members of the Nominating Committee shall be from any one Conference. Notwithstanding this requirement, if a member of the Nominating Committee moves to a Conference from which there is another member of the Committee currently serving, the member moving to the Conference currently served by another member shall continue to serve as a member of the Nominating Committee until the end of the biennium. The position on the Nominating Committee held by the member who moved becomes vacant at the end of the biennium during which the above change in Conference occurs.
b) Four members will be elected from a pool of nominees provided by the following groups: the Council for American Indian Ministry; the Council for Hispanic Ministries; Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice; Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries; United Black Christians; the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns; UCC Disabilities Ministries; and the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. At least nine months before each regular meeting of the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board shall invite each of the eight groups not currently represented on the Nominating Committee to submit the names of an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and a layperson for possible membership on the Nominating Committee. The United Church of Christ Board shall submit to the General Synod for election the number of names needed to maintain four members from these groups on the Nominating Committee. Two members will be an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and two members will be laypersons. The Conference affiliations of the representatives from these groups will not affect the determination of the Conference affiliation of the at-large members elected in accordance with paragraph 201a.
c) Two members will be elected from among the members of the United Church of Christ Board.
d) The diversity of the Nominating Committee shall reflect the diversity of the United Church of Christ Board, as set forth in paragraph 223.
e) A member of the Nominating Committee who has served a full term shall not be eligible for re-election until a biennium has elapsed. Terms of members shall begin at the close of the General Synod at which the members have been elected and continue to the close of the third regular General Synod after their election. The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee shall be named by the United Church of Christ Board from the members of the Nominating Committee within six months after each regular meeting of the General Synod.
202 The Nominating Committee of General Synod, prior to the call for nominations, reviews the make-up of the continuing membership of the United Church of Christ Board and determines the needed nominations. In its call for suggestions of names, the Nominating Committee will indicate the criteria consistent with the provisions of these Bylaws which will be used for filling positions on the United Church of Christ Board. Each Conference or group to be represented shall provide at least two names for each of the positions.
203 The Nominating Committee shall make all nominations for election by the General Synod for which the Constitution and Bylaws do not otherwise provide. The Nominating Committee shall consider, but not be limited to, such attributes as candidates’ leadership, a wide range of life experience and background including socio-economic, cultural competency, financial knowledge, fund raising experience, community building skills, commitment to justice, and understanding of good governance. The Nominating Committee shall maintain records of suggested nominees and their qualifications.
204 The Nominating Committee is responsible for ensuring that the membership of the United Church of Christ Board embodies the commitment of the United Church of Christ to diversity and balance, both in its overall composition and in its internal segments. In order to achieve this end, the Nominating Committee may, if necessary, approach any group submitting and/or recommending names with the request that they assist in that task by presenting additional names.
205 When selecting candidates for offices, the Nominating Committee shall consider all names submitted.
206 The Nominating Committee shall submit its report to the General Synod at least twenty-four hours before the elections are scheduled to take place, unless the General Synod, by a three-fourths vote, consents to an earlier election.
207 Credentials Committee The Credentials Committee shall consist of ten delegates to the General Synod, five of whom shall come from each of the two classes of General Synod delegates. At least three months before each regular meeting of the General Synod the United Church of Christ Board shall appoint five members from the latest class of delegates and shall designate one of the ten members of the Committee as chairperson. Terms of members shall be for four years, beginning with their appointment and terminating with the appointment of their successors. The Credentials Committee will review the composition of the Conference Delegations for compliance with the composition requirements of paragraph 189 and is empowered to request changes in membership to Conference Delegations so that said delegations and the Delegation as a Whole will be in compliance with the provisions of paragraph 189.
208 Budget Committee, Business Committee, and Committee of Reference
The Budget Committee, the Business Committee, and the Committee of Reference at each regular and special meeting of the General Synod shall be the United Church of Christ Board or persons designated by the United Church of Christ Board from its own membership. The role and scope of the Budget Committee, Business Committee and the Committee of Reference shall be determined by the United Church of Christ Board under authority of paragraphs 227-232.
Officers of the Church and of the General Synod
209 The General Synod shall call by election, from among the members of the United Church of Christ, the following Officers of the United Church of Christ who shall also be members of the Collegium of Officers, the Mission Planning Council, the United Church of Christ Board, and General Synod: General Minister and President, Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, and Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries.
210 Every Officer of the United Church of Christ serves at the will of the General Synod, and may be terminated as an Officer of the United Church of Christ by the United Church of Christ Board acting as the General Synod ad interim in accordance with the United Church of Christ Board’s procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Officer of the United Church of Christ is also the Executive Minister of a Covenanted Ministry, the United Church of Christ Board acting as the General Synod ad interim may terminate such Executive Minister as an Officer of the Church, only after consultation with the Board of Directors of such Covenanted Ministry. Responsibility for the termination of an Executive Minister as executive officer of a Covenanted Ministry rests with the Board of Directors of that Covenanted Ministry.
211 The term of each Officer of the United Church of Christ shall be four years, not to exceed three terms, and shall commence within ninety days following call by election by the General Synod. Officers shall hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified and have assumed the duties of their office. Officers may be reelected, but not more than twice, in accordance with the rules and procedures of their respective Covenanted Ministries, subject to the call by election of the General Synod.
General Minister and President
212 The General Minister and President, who shall be an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing, is called to ministry in and on behalf of the United Church of Christ upon election by the General Synod.
a) Spiritual Leader of the Church:
The General Minister and President is the spiritual leader and pastor of the Church, charged with the care and nurture of the spiritual life of the Church. The General Minister and President is responsible for the unity and well-being of the Church, and for nurturing its covenantal life and ecumenical and interfaith relationships, and facilitating the visioning, planning, coordination and implementation of the total mission of the United Church of Christ.
b) Theological Interpreter:
The General Minister and President is the principal leader in interpreting the theological perspectives and values of the United Church of Christ as guided by the General Synod and in consultation with the Collegium. The General Minister and President is the chief representative of the United Church of Christ in the public square and at ecumenical, interdenominational and interfaith tables.
c) Convener:
The General Minister and President will convene and preside at the meetings of the Collegium. She or he is responsible for coordinated communication, fund raising and planning in collaboration with the Executive Ministers. She or he is a member of the Mission Planning Council.
d) Chief Executive Officer:
The General Minister and President is the Chief Executive Officer of the General Synod and is its principal spokesperson. The General Minister and President serves as the corporate President of the United Church of Christ Board, each of the Covenanted Ministries, the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, and all other corporations related to the Covenanted Ministries. The General Minister and President oversees the administration of the national setting offices.
The General Minister and President serves as an ex-officio member of the United Church of Christ Board and accordingly as a member of the Board of Directors of each Covenanted Ministry. The General Minister and President serves as an ex-officio member in all meetings of the Affiliated and Associated Ministries. The General Minister and President shall serve as an ex-officio member, with voice, but not vote, in the meetings of all Commissions, Councils, and Committees of the United Church of Christ, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ; except that he or she shall not participate in the work of the Search Committee for the General Minister and President. The General Minister and President shall be the official representative of the Church in ecumenical, interdenominational, and interfaith relations. The General Minister and President may appoint a representative for such occasions as he or she deems advisable.
213 The General Minister and President is accountable to the General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board, acting as General Synod ad interim.
214 The candidate for the position of General Minister and President is nominated for an initial term by a search committee of the United Church of Christ, broadly representative of the Church, and appointed by the United Church of Christ Board. The search committee includes one Executive Minister of a Covenanted Ministry selected by the Collegium of Officers; at least one Conference Minister named by the Council of Conference Ministers; one representative of the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries to be selected from the COREM members on the United Church of Christ Board each with voice and vote. At least one member shall be a youth or young adult. The affirmative action commitment of the Church is to be fully respected in the search process and diversity maintained in the membership of the Collegium of Officers. The candidate chosen by the search committee is confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the United Church of Christ Board before his or her name is placed before the General Synod. Only one nominee may be presented for election, and nominations may not be made from the floor. An affirmative vote of at least sixty percent of the General Synod is necessary for election and call. The General Minister and President does not participate in the work of the search committee choosing a successor. She or he is evaluated regularly through a process approved by the United Church of Christ Board. The evaluation process includes an Executive Minister of a Covenanted Ministry on a rotating basis. In the event that the General Minister and President is unable to discharge the responsibilities of that Office, or if there is a vacancy in that Office, the United Church of Christ Board shall name one of the Executive Ministers to serve as Acting General Minister and President until the General Minister and President returns to service or is replaced by a successor elected by the General Synod after a search process.
Executive Ministers of Justice and Witness Ministries, Local Church Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries.
215 Each Executive Minister is the principal minister and chief executive officer of one of the Covenanted Ministries and is responsible for guiding and leading that Ministry’s activities under the direction of its Board of Directors and as may be prescribed in the articles of incorporation, rules, and bylaws of that Covenanted Ministry. The Executive Minister may be a lay person, an authorized minister, or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing. Each Executive Minister serves as an ex-officio member of the United Church of Christ Board and accordingly as a member of the Board of Directors of each Covenanted Ministry.
216 Each Executive Minister will oversee the programmatic work of a Covenanted Ministry, which shall be carried out in accordance with the policies, planning, and broad oversight of the United Church of Christ Board as provided in these Bylaws. With the General Minister and President, each Executive Minister will be involved in the overall functions of the national setting, including visioning and planning, communications, development and management of budgets, development and leadership of staff, and implementation of policies adopted by the General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board.
217 Each Executive Minister will be accountable to the General Synod through the United Church of Christ Board. Each Executive Minister serves at the will of the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry to which she or he is accountable and may be terminated as an Executive Minister by that body in accordance with its procedures after consultation with the United Church of Christ Board, acting as General Synod ad interim.
218 As an Officer of the Church, each Executive Minister is a member of the Collegium of Officers and the Mission Planning Council.
219 Each Executive Minister is to be nominated for an initial term by a search committee of the United Church of Christ broadly representative of the Church, appointed by and from the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry to which she or he is accountable. The search committee shall include the General Minister and President; one Conference Minister, named by the Council of Conference Ministers; and one representative of the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries to be selected from the COREM members on the Board of Directors, each with voice and vote. At least one member shall be a youth or young adult. The affirmative action commitment of the Church is to be fully respected in the search process and diversity maintained in the membership of the Collegium of Officers. The candidate chosen by the search committee is to be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the appropriate Board of Directors before his or her name is placed in nomination before the General Synod. Only one nominee may be presented for election, and nominations may not be made from the floor. An affirmative vote of at least sixty percent of the General Synod is necessary for the call by election. An Executive Minister does not participate in the work of the search committee choosing a successor. The Executive Minister is evaluated regularly by a process approved by the appropriate Board of Directors. The evaluation process shall include the General Minister and President, with voice and vote. Terms of office shall begin within ninety days following their election. An Executive Minister shall hold office until her or his successor has been elected and qualified and has assumed the duties of the Office.
220 In the event that an Executive Minister is unable to discharge the responsibilities of that position, or if there is a vacancy in the office, the Board of Directors of that Covenanted Ministry, in consultation with the General Minister and President, shall appoint an Acting Executive Minister according to the rules and procedures of each Covenanted Ministry. Said Board of Directors shall recommend its Acting Executive Minister to the United Church of Christ Board acting as General Synod ad interim for appointment as an Acting Officer of the Church. An Acting Executive Minister shall serve until the Executive Minister returns to service, or is replaced by a successor called by election by the General Synod.
United Church of Christ Board
221 The United Church of Christ Board continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies, and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 57 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation.
222 The United Church of Christ Board shall consist of fifty-two (52) members elected by the General Synod. Thirty-six (36) members shall serve in at-large positions and sixteen (16) members shall be ex-officio members with voice and vote. The composition of the United Church of Christ Board shall embody the commitment of the United Church of Christ to be a multicultural and multiracial Church, reflecting the racial and ethnic diversity of society with a balance of leadership between women and men, open and accessible to all. All members of the United Church of Christ Board shall be voting members, except as legally proscribed and noted below.
223 The thirty-six at-large members, nominated by the General Synod Nominating Committee, and elected by the General Synod as members of the United Church of Christ Board, shall reflect the following composition:
• Fifty percent (50%) or more shall be persons of color.
• Fifty percent (50%) or more shall be women.
• One third (1/3) shall be authorized ministers or persons with ordained ministerial partner standing.
• One third (1/3) shall be laymen.
• One third (1/3) shall be laywomen.
• Twenty percent (20%) shall be under thirty (30) years of age at the time of election.
To the extent possible, the under 30 years of age members shall include both youth of high school age and young adults. All such members shall be voting members except as legally proscribed.
• At least one (1) member shall be a person who self-identifies as having a disability.
• At least one (1) member shall be a person who self-identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
a) At-large members shall serve one term of six years, which shall commence at the close of the General Synod at which the person is elected and qualified and shall terminate at the close of the General Synod in which a successor is elected and qualified. At-large members shall be divided into three classes of twelve members each, with a class of twelve members being elected at each General Synod. No at-large member who has served more than one-half of a full term shall be nominated to serve again until at least two years have elapsed. Nominations for the at-large positions shall be solicited from all entities and organizations within the United Church of Christ. There shall not be more than three at-large members from any one Conference at the time of an individual’s election.
b) In the initial election of at-large members by the Twenty-ninth General Synod, twelve (12) at-large members shall be elected for a term of two (2) years, to include two (2) members to be elected from among the last serving members prior to the Twenty-ninth General Synod of the Executive Council and each of the Boards of Directors of Office of General Ministries, Local Church Ministries, Wider Church Ministries, and Justice and Witness Ministries, and two (2) members to be elected from among the Historically Under-Represented Groups. Twelve (12) at-large members shall be elected for one term of four (4) years, and twelve (12) at-large members shall be elected for one term of six (6) years.
c) The General Synod Nominating Committee nominates these persons after submission of names, according to the procedures established in ¶202–206 of these Bylaws, and criteria determined by the Nominating Committee. In order to fulfill its responsibilities to ensure that the membership of the United Church of Christ Board reflects the diversity to which the United Church of Christ is committed, the Nominating Committee may ask for additional names to be submitted.
224 Ex-Officio members of the United Church of Christ Board with voice and vote, affirmed by vote of the General Synod, shall include:
a) The Officers of the United Church of Christ.
b) The Moderator and the Assistant Moderator of the General Synod.
c) One member designated by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to serve a term of two years. Any such member shall be eligible to serve up to two additional terms and not to exceed three terms.
d) Six (6) principal ministers of Conferences, one to be elected from each Region by the Council of Conference Ministers for a term of two years, not to exceed two consecutive terms. If any such member ceases during his or her term of office on the United Church of Christ Board to be the principal minister of a Conference within the Region from which said member was elected, a vacancy shall be thereby created to be filled by election by the Council of Conference Ministers.
e) The Executive of the United Church Funds, Inc.
f) The Executive of The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ
g) The Executive of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries
225 Although members of the United Church of Christ Board may be nominated or selected by particular groups, each member serves on behalf of, and bears responsibility for, the well-being of the whole Church.
226 The United Church of Christ Board shall elect, from its members who are elected by General Synod, a chairperson and a vice-chairperson according to its own Standing Rules.
Responsibilities of the United Church of Christ Board
227 The United Church of Christ Board shall act for the General Synod ad interim, and, in cooperation with the Collegium of Officers, shall provide coordination and evaluation of the work of the Church and shall carry out such other responsibilities as may be from time to time delegated to it by the General Synod or as provided for in these Bylaws or the Constitution.
a) The United Church of Christ Board shall be responsible for strategic planning and policymaking. The Ministry Committees and the Committees of the United Church of Christ Board shall make recommendations to the members of the United Church of Christ Board for strategic planning, policymaking and oversight purposes. Under the leadership of the Executive Ministers, the United Church of Christ Board’s Ministry Committees shall make recommendations to the members of the United Church of Christ Board regarding the programmatic work of the Covenanted Ministries. As provided in paragraph 243e, the United Church of Christ Board shall receive recommendations regarding the annual draw rate on invested funds that may be used to carry out the mission entrusted to the Covenanted Ministries. As provided in paragraph 243e, recommendations as to the annual draw rate and as to the allocation of the annual dollar amounts resulting from the application of the annual draw rate to each of the restricted endowment funds and to each of the historic donor intended uses of each of the unrestricted endowment funds referred to in paragraph 243f shall not be modified by the United Church of Christ Board except upon two affirmative votes, each of not less than eighty five percent (85%) of the members present of the full Board at one or more meetings of the full Board with not less than twelve (12) hours between the two affirmative votes in order to ensure adequate discernment by the full Board.
b) The United Church of Christ Board is responsible for policies relating to the mission of the United Church of Christ in its national setting. It shall support the on-going work of the General Synod through its various ministries, planning for and encouraging cooperation among those ministries, with Local Churches, Associations, and Conferences, and with other expressions of the Church which contribute to and embody God’s mission in Jesus Christ. It shall support the spiritual and financial health of the Church, and shall ensure the presence and implementation of policies which contribute to the health of the Covenanted Ministries in relationship with one another and their accountability to General Synod. It shall receive reports from the Collegium of Officers and provide oversight and support for the work of that body. It shall facilitate the business of General Synod and assume such other tasks as may be assigned to it by the General Synod. It shall be a focal point for decision-making, overall planning and evaluation, and budgeting in the national setting. It shall receive and report upon divergent points of view and maintain an open channel for the consideration of minority or dissenting opinion. It shall submit a report of its work to the General Synod at each regular meeting. In cooperation with the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries it shall make an annual informational report to the Local Churches and the Conferences about the total program of the Church in the national setting.
228 Vacancies occurring in offices, commissions, or committees of the General Synod, or in the membership of the United Church of Christ Board, shall, unless otherwise provided, be filled by the United Church of Christ Board acting as the General Synod ad interim, such actions to be reported to the next General Synod.
229 The United Church of Christ Board shall make such elections, nominations or appointments as these Bylaws or action of the General Synod may require.
230 Acting as the Budget Committee for the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board shall determine the allocation of funds from Our Church’s Wider Mission. The United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee, shall also receive and review the past and projected use of OCWM funds allocated to each Covenanted Ministry and recommend the OCWM threshold amount for the biennium.
231 The United Church of Christ Board shall be an incorporated body in order to ensure that it may effectively and expeditiously perform all legal functions of the General Synod and all of its other functions as provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. The membership of the Corporation shall consist of those persons described in paragraphs 222-224 of the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, who shall be elected or affirmed in the manner therein provided and who shall have the right to vote only to the extent granted by such paragraphs. Those members shall also be the Directors of the Corporation. The Corporation shall have such officers as required by law and as provided in these Bylaws. The Corporation may adopt for its government and the management of its affairs bylaws and rules not inconsistent with its Articles of Incorporation nor with the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and regulations of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ.
232 The United Church of Christ Board shall serve as the Business Committee and Committee of Reference of the General Synod during its sessions, and as such shall prepare the agenda and schedule for all meetings of the General Synod, recommend changes therein during sessions, and appoint committees not otherwise provided.
Administration of the National Setting Offices
233 The General Minister and President shall oversee the administration of the national setting offices. The General Minister and President is responsible for selecting a Chief Administrative Officer and a Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Collegium. Both the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chief Financial Officer shall report directly to the General Minister and President, who is accountable to the United Church of Christ Board.
234 The Chief Administrative Officer will have day-to-day responsibility for the overall administrative work of the national setting offices. The Chief Administrative Officer shall serve as the corporate Secretary of the United Church of Christ Board, each of the Covenanted Ministries, the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, and all other corporations within the national setting.
235 The Chief Financial Officer will oversee the financial functions of the national setting offices. The Chief Financial Officer shall serve as the corporate Treasurer of the United Church of Christ Board, each of the Covenanted Ministries, the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, and all other corporations related to the Covenanted Ministries. The customary responsibilities and functions of a corporate secretary and treasurer of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ shall be assigned to the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, respectively.
Ministry Committees
236 The United Church of Christ Board membership shall divide itself into three Ministry Committees: Local Church, Justice and Witness, and Wider Church. Each Ministry Committee shall make recommendations to the members of the United Church of Christ Board regarding the program functions of the Covenanted Ministry for which it is named. The Ministry Committees will honor the diversity of commitments of the United Church of Christ and work in covenant with each other. To the extent possible while still maintaining diversity and expertise needed on the Ministry Committees, each United Church of Christ Board member will be assigned to a Ministry Committee based on that individual’s experience, expertise, personal passion and spiritual calling. For the Wider Church Ministry Committee, individuals also will be considered based on the role that they may serve as members of the Common Global Ministries Board, the mission partnership between the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The composition of each Ministry Committee shall embody the commitment of the United Church of Christ to a multicultural and multiracial Church, with a balance of leadership between women and men, open and accessible to all. Each Ministry Committee will elect a chairperson and a vice-chairperson, subject to the requirement that at least one of these positions must be held by a person of color in each Ministry Committee.
Committees of the United Church of Christ Board
237 The United Church of Christ Board shall have such other Committees as it may deem necessary, including but not limited to those named hereafter, and each may draw on expertise beyond the Board if necessary.
Executive Committee
238 The Executive Committee shall consist of twelve (12) members of the United Church of Christ Board, as follows:
a) Chairperson and vice-chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board
b) One representative from each of the three Ministry Committees of the United Church of Christ Board
c) The Officers of the United Church of Christ
d) One Conference Minister
e) One member of the Finance and Budget Committee
f) One additional member
239 The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility to ensure that visioning and strategic planning be done on behalf of the national setting of the Church. It will lead the United Church of Christ Board in developing and articulating comprehensive and integrated strategies and goals for the national setting. The Executive Committee will facilitate the United Church of Christ Board’s identification of concerns and ideas related to communications, identity, fundraising, fund development, strategic planning, evangelism, and other critical issues for the life of the whole Church. The decision-making power and authority of the Executive Committee shall be governed by the standing rules of the United Church of Christ Board.
Finance and Budget Committee
240 The Finance and Budget Committee shall consist of up to twelve (12) members of the United Church of Christ Board, including:
a) Chairperson or vice-chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board
b) Two representatives with financial expertise from each of the Ministry Committees of the United Church of Christ Board
c) General Minister and President
241 The duties and responsibilities of the Committee include:
a) Reviewing the annual available resources and being responsible for financial planning.
b) Reviewing the proposed Annual Budget recommended by the Collegium in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and other key staff and mission partners, such as Common Global Ministries.
c) Recommending the Annual Budget to the United Church of Christ Board.
d) Receiving and reviewing regular financial reports.
Investment and Endowment Committee
242 The Investment and Endowment Committee shall consist of up to fourteen (14) members and shall be members of the United Church of Christ Board (except as noted below), including:
a) Two (2) representatives from each of the Ministry Committees of the United Church of Christ Board, selected by each Committee
b) The Officers of the United Church of Christ
c) The Executive of the United Church Funds, Inc., with voice but without vote
d) The United Church of Christ Board, by vote of its membership, may add up to three individuals with legal and/or investment expertise who are not members of the United Church of Christ Board but are members of the United Church of Christ.
243 The duties and responsibilities of the Committee include:
a) Assuring that the legacy/historic restrictions on the use of restricted funds and the intended use restrictions of the unrestricted funds of each of the historic ministries are monitored, accounted for, maintained and reported to the United Church of Christ Board annually. The Committee shall monitor and oversee the allocation of both restricted and unrestricted funds to ensure that they will be allocated based on donor intent, whenever that can be determined and to provide the full Board an overview of all funds in order to encourage the most effective collaborative and holistic use of those funds to meet the missional needs of the Church.
b) Recommending to the United Church of Christ Board investment policies including investment screens that reflect the commitment of the United Church of Christ to corporate social responsibility.
c) Managing the investment of the endowed funds and other assets including real property in accordance with investment policies approved by the United Church of Christ Board.
d) Monitoring and reporting on the management of invested funds to the United Church of Christ Board.
e) Recommending to the United Church of Christ Board the annual draw rate on invested funds that may be used to carry out the mission entrusted to the Covenanted Ministries. Recommendations as to the annual draw rate and as to the allocation of the annual dollar amounts resulting from the application of the annual draw rate to each of the restricted endowment funds and to each of the historic donor intended uses of each of the unrestricted endowment funds referred to in paragraph 243f shall not be modified by the United Church of Christ Board except upon two affirmative votes, each of not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the members present of the full Board at one or more meetings of the full Board with not less than twelve (12) hours between the two affirmative votes in order to ensure adequate discernment by the full Board.
f) Reviewing, monitoring and recommending to the United Church of Christ Board the allocation of the annual dollar amounts resulting from the application of the spending rate to each of the restricted endowment funds and to each of the historic donor intended uses of each of the unrestricted endowment funds.
g) Providing Board representation to the Investment Committee of the United Church Funds, Inc.
Audit Committee
244 The Audit Committee shall consist of such members as determined by the United Church of Christ Board, provided that members of the Board must comprise a majority of the members of the Audit Committee. The United Church of Christ Board, by vote of its membership, may include on the Audit Committee individuals with legal and/or financial expertise who are not members of the United Church of Christ Board but are members of the United Church of Christ. All Committee members shall be voting members.
245 The duties and responsibilities of the Committee include:
a) Selecting the audit firm to perform the annual financial audit.
b) Receiving and reviewing the audit report from the auditors and reporting to the United Church of Christ Board.
246 Regions. The United Church of Christ Board shall make an appropriate assignment of the several Conferences into Regions. The Regions as thus determined shall form the basis for Conference representation on national bodies wherever required by the Bylaws.
Organization of the United Church of Christ Board
247 The United Church of Christ Board shall organize itself as it deems necessary to carry out its responsibilities and fulfill its mandates.
Advisory Commissions
248 The United Church of Christ Board may provide for special advisory commissions on subjects of pervasive interest to the entire Church on which the United Church of Christ Board and/or the General Minister and President need policy or substantive advice. Members of such commissions shall be appointed by the United Church of Christ Board and shall include at least one member of the United Church of Christ Board. The chairperson shall be designated by the chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board.
249 Common Services In covenant with the Covenanted Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board, through and by the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, shall provide for common services, including, but not limited to, common treasury services, accounting services, personnel services, logistical services, information services and office support services. It shall also provide for a common salary program and shall provide common personnel policies.
250 Each Covenanted Ministry shall use the aforementioned common services, program and policies whenever legally permissible and otherwise appropriate, all as determined by its own Board of Directors.
251 A nonprofit corporation shall be formed for the purpose of providing the above-described common services. The corporation, to be named the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, shall be governed by its articles of incorporation, rules, and bylaws, and the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. The General Minister and President shall be the principal executive and the Chief Administrative Officer shall be the operational executive of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ. The number of directors of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be nine, consisting of:
i. Two representatives of, and selected by, Local Church Ministries;
ii. Two representatives of, and selected by, Justice and Witness Ministries;
iii. Two representatives of, and selected by, Wider Church Ministries;
iv. General Minister and President;
v. Chief Administrative Officer; and
vi. Chief Financial Officer
The directors of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be the members of the corporation. The Board of Directors shall appoint such committees, with such responsibilities, as it deems necessary to carry out its work. The corporate officers of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be the following:
(i) General Minister and President, who as President of this corporation shall be accountable to the Board of Directors;
(ii) Chief Administrative Officer, who as Secretary of this corporation shall report to the General Minister and President;
(iii) Chief Financial Officer, who as Treasurer of this corporation shall report to the General Minister and President.
252 Policy decisions related to the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE IV. ORGANIZATION
253 The work of the United Church of Christ and its General Synod shall be carried out by the United Church of Christ Board, the Covenanted, Affiliated, Associated Ministries, Councils, and other such bodies as may from time to time be created by, or related to, the General Synod or the United Church of Christ Board.
COVENANTED MINISTRIES
254 The Covenanted Ministries are Local Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries.
LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRIES
255 Purpose and Mission The purpose and mission of Local Church Ministries shall be to encourage and support the Local Churches of the United Church of Christ in the fulfillment of God’s mission. It continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies, and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 65 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation. The program, administrative, and financial development functions of Local Church Ministries shall be carried out in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board. Through its Local Church Ministry Committee working with the Executive Minister and its Committees, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee these functions, which will be coordinated and implemented by staff assigned by the Collegium. Local Church Ministries shall retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and shall have sole authority to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property.
256 In overseeing the purpose and mission of Local Church Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board shall encourage local churches to shape their life and mission in partnership with one another, with other expressions of the Church, and with ecumenical and interfaith communities. The United Church of Christ Board will work to promote the vocation of all members, leadership of laity and clergy, and facilitate a system of placement. The United Church of Christ Board will nurture stewards, and will coordinate and promote denomination-wide mission funding. The United Church of Christ Board will work with local churches in striving for the vitality of local churches as inclusive and accessible communities of mission, evangelism, church development, education, unity, worship, nurture, and justice so that the good news of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed in word and deed.
257 The United Church of Christ Board shall work in interactive partnership with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the Church.
258 Governance and Leadership Pursuant to paragraphs 58–63 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, Local Church Ministries shall be incorporated and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the members of the United Church of Christ Board. Its executive officer shall be an Executive Minister, who is also an Officer of the Church, called by election of the General Synod. It shall act pursuant to the provisions as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, its own articles of incorporation and bylaws, and by the rules of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Local Church Ministries performs the functions normally associated with boards of directors, and such additional tasks necessary to carry out its purposes and mandates, including the formation of associated auxiliary corporations. Pursuant to paragraph 60 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, it has legal corporate status for the purpose of holding, receiving, and managing unrestricted, restricted, and designated allocated funds, and funds donated to it from all sources. It is responsible for its articles of incorporation and required corporate documents, and establishes its own rules and bylaws. It has responsibility for organizing its ministries in order to carry out its mandates, for providing necessary staffing, and for determining the manner and site(s) of its office(s). The Board of Directors may grant authority to sub-units, ministry teams, or other appropriate entities, to speak and act on its behalf within its own broad policy statements and those of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Board of Directors may form task groups representing a variety of groups of the Church necessary for implementing its mission.
259 Members of the Board of Directors of Local Church Ministries serve on behalf of the whole Church.
JUSTICE AND WITNESS MINISTRIES
260 Purpose and Mission The purpose and mission of Justice and Witness Ministries shall be to enable and encourage Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the United Church of Christ to engage in God’s mission globally by direct action for the integrity of creation, justice, and peace. It continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies, and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 66 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation. The program, administrative, and financial development functions of Justice and Witness Ministries shall be carried out in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board. Through its Justice and Witness Ministry Committee working with the Executive Minister and its Committees, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee these functions, which will be coordinated and implemented by staff assigned by the Collegium. Justice and Witness Ministries shall retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and shall have sole authority to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property.
261 In overseeing the purpose and mission of Justice and Witness Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board shall encourage the Church in all of its expressions to speak prophetically on matters of justice, power, and public policy. The United Church of Christ Board shall assist the Church in all of its expressions to confront racism, sexism, ageism, classism, and other expressions of injustice and alienation in the Church and in the society. The United Church of Christ Board shall provide support for the Church’s ministry of service on behalf of those who are poor, the forgotten and the oppressed, and for those marginalized by stigma and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or their disabilities, including mental illness. The United Church of Christ Board may provide public witness on behalf of the justice and witness policies of the General Synod.
262 The United Church of Christ Board shall work in interactive partnership with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, national expressions of the Church, and with ecumenical and interfaith groups, and community organizations.
263 Governance and Leadership Pursuant to paragraphs 58–63 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries shall be incorporated and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the members of the United Church of Christ Board. Its executive officer shall be an Executive Minister, who is also an Officer of the Church, called by election of the General Synod. It shall act pursuant to the provisions as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, its own articles of incorporation and bylaws, and by the rules of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Justice and Witness Ministries performs the functions normally associated with boards of directors, and such additional tasks necessary to carry out its purposes and mandates, including the formation of associated auxiliary corporations. Pursuant to paragraph 60 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, it has legal corporate status for the purpose of holding, receiving, and managing unrestricted, restricted, and designated allocated funds, and funds donated to it from all sources. It is responsible for its articles of incorporation and required corporate documents, and establishes its own rules and bylaws. It has responsibility for organizing its ministries in order to carry out its mandates, for providing necessary staffing, and for determining the manner and site(s) of its office(s).The Board of Directors may grant authority to sub-units, ministry teams, or other appropriate entities, to speak and act on its behalf within its own broad policy statements and those of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Board of Directors may form task groups representing a variety of groups of the Church necessary for implementing its mission.
264 Members of the Board of Directors of Justice and Witness Ministries serve on behalf of the whole Church.
WIDER CHURCH MINISTRIES
265 Purpose and Mission The purpose and mission of Wider Church Ministries shall be to encourage and support Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the United Church of Christ to participate in the global, multiracial, multicultural church, accessible to all, and to support United Church of Christ ministries around the world and the nation. It continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 67 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation. The program, administrative, and financial development functions of Wider Church Ministries shall be carried out in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board. Through its Wider Church Ministry Committee working with the Executive Minister and its Committees, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee these functions, which will be coordinated and implemented by staff assigned by the Collegium. Wider Church Ministries shall retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and shall have sole authority to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property.
266 In overseeing the purpose and mission of Wider Church Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board shall strengthen relationships with partner churches and oversee participation in the Common Global Ministries Board in joint venture with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The United Church of Christ Board shall provide support for institutional ministries in health care, education, disaster relief, and social services in the United States and internationally. It shall also coordinate volunteer ministries in all expressions of the Church. In cooperation with partner churches it shall promote interfaith dialogue and global education and advocacy issues. Through the Common Global Ministries Board, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee the sending and receiving of missionaries.
267 The United Church of Christ Board shall work in interactive partnership with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the Church and of the ecumenical and interfaith bodies.
268 Governance and Leadership Pursuant to paragraphs 58–63 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, Wider Church Ministries shall be incorporated and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the members of the United Church of Christ Board. Its executive officer shall be an Executive Minister, who is also an Officer of the Church, called by election of the General Synod. It shall act pursuant to the provisions as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, its own articles of incorporation and bylaws, and by the rules of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Wider Church Ministries performs the functions normally associated with boards of directors, and such additional tasks necessary to carry out its purposes and mandates, including the formation of associated auxiliary corporations. Pursuant to paragraph 60 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, it has legal corporate status for the purpose of holding, receiving, and managing unrestricted, restricted, and designated allocated funds, and funds donated to it from all sources. It is responsible for its articles of incorporation and required corporate documents, and establishes its own rules and bylaws. It has responsibility for organizing its ministries in order to carry out its mandates, for providing necessary staffing, and for determining the manner and site(s) of its office(s).The Board of Directors may grant authority to sub-units, ministry teams, or other appropriate entities, to speak and act on its behalf within its own broad policy statements and those of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Board of Directors may form task groups representing a variety of groups of the Church necessary for implementing its mission.
269 Members of the Board of Directors of Wider Church Ministries serve on behalf of the whole Church.
COLLEGIUM OF OFFICERS
270 The Collegium of Officers, defined in Article IV of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, supports and consults with the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted Ministries in carrying out their work in a spirit of coordination and cooperation. It is responsible for providing leadership for mission programming in the United Church of Christ and for the proper implementation of General Synod actions. Composed of the Officers of the United Church of Christ meeting as peers, the Collegium of Officers provides a setting for mutual accountability, mutual reporting, and for assessing the on-going programs of the United Church of Christ. The Collegium of Officers coordinates research, long-range planning, and program evaluation. It meets regularly with the Cabinet of the Council of Conference Ministers.
271 The Collegium of Officers is convened by the General Minister and President as the presiding officer and consults with the United Church of Christ Board and the General Synod. It shall consult regularly with the leaders of the Affiliated and Associated Ministries of the United Church of Christ.
MISSION PLANNING COUNCIL
272 The Mission Planning Council provides a multi-missional setting which brings together the Officers of the United Church of Christ, and principal staff of the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted, Associated, and Affiliated Ministries of the United Church of Christ, for planning coordinated ministries and for visioning and exploring new perspectives over a wide range of mission, theological, ecumenical, spiritual, stewardship, financial, justice, communications, gender, disability, and racial issues and concerns. The Mission Planning Council is responsible for the coordination and correlation of mission and purpose and for maintaining mutual trust, mutual accountability, and the wise use of leadership and talents. It is designed to encourage cooperation and sharing of talents among the Ministries. The Mission Planning Council may invite others to participate, including representatives of Conferences and partner churches, as it deems appropriate. The Collegium of Officers coordinates the tasks, meetings, agendas, and follow-up actions of the Mission Planning Council.
AFFILIATED MINISTRY
273 Pursuant to paragraph 68, 70 and 71 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ is an Affiliated Ministry of the United Church of Christ and serves the Church and its United Church of Christ Board and Covenanted Ministries as a separate corporation.
274 The purpose of The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ is to make available ministerial welfare activities and a system of employee benefit programs designed to assist authorized ministers and lay workers in achieving financial security during working and retirement years.
275 The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ continues as a nonprofit membership corporation which determines its own governance and leadership. The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ will have membership on the United Church of Christ Board.
ASSOCIATED MINISTRY
276 Pursuant to paragraph 69, 72 and 73 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, the United Church Funds, Inc., is an Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ, and serves the Church, the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted Ministries as a separate corporation related to the United Church of Christ Board.
277 The purpose of the United Church Funds, Inc. is to provide a means by which individuals and organizations of the Church may further exercise their stewardship of resources for the sake of strengthening the mission of the Church as set forth in paragraph 72 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ.
278 The United Church Funds, Inc. will work cooperatively with the United Church of Christ Board to facilitate comprehensive financial planning and development; and will continue its relationship with The Pension Boards–United Church of Christ. It shall have membership the United Church of Christ Board.
279 The corporate membership of the United Church Funds, Inc. shall consist of fifteen persons nominated and elected by the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ for terms of six years, one-third to be elected each biennium and to serve until their respective successors are elected and qualified. The General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ and the chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ shall be ex-officio members with vote. At least two of the members elected each biennium shall not be members of The United Church Funds, Inc. at the time of their election. The United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ may remove a member of the United Church Funds, Inc. and shall fill vacancies for unexpired terms.
Other Provisions
280 No person shall serve in more than one General Synod elected position simultaneously. Further, no employee of a Covenanted, Associated, or Affiliated Ministry shall serve as a voting member of the United Church of Christ Board, except in an ex-officio capacity, or as otherwise set forth in these Bylaws.
281 All members of the United Church of Christ Board, with the exception of the representatives from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), shall be members of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE V. INDEMNIFICATION
282 Any Officer of the United Church of Christ, or any member, including officers and directors, of the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board or the Councils, Commissions, and Committees of the General Synod may, to the full extent allowed by law, be indemnified by the United Church of Christ Board against all judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement of, and against all reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually and necessarily, incurred in defense of any lawsuit, proceeding or prosecution (including appeal thereof) wherein such person is made a party by reason of being such officer or member to the extent such person is not otherwise indemnified by another entity. This provision shall also extend to any lawsuit, proceeding, or prosecution in which such officer or member is made a party in such person’s capacity as an officer or member of another organization in which the person serves at the request of any of the above entities or bodies.
283 In all other lawsuits, proceedings, or prosecutions, indemnity shall not be made unless the officer or member acted in good faith and for a purpose which the person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Entity or body of which he or she is an officer or member and in criminal actions or proceedings only upon the additional requirement that the person had no reasonable cause to believe that the operative conduct or inaction was unlawful.
284 These indemnity provisions shall also operate for the benefit of anyone duly serving in a representative capacity for such member or officer.
285 The United Church of Christ Board is authorized to purchase insurance providing indemnification pursuant to the provisions of the preceding. Any such contract of insurance may afford coverage for matters as to which the United Church of Christ Board may not give indemnity.
ARTICLE VI. OTHER BODIES
The following groups are identified as related in covenant to the United Church of Christ, through a primary relationship with the United Church of Christ Board.
COUNCILS
286 Council for American Indian Ministry Created by the Eighth General Synod in 1971 (71-GS-77) and given its present mandate by the Sixteenth General Synod in 1987 (87-GS-58), the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM) is a national body with primary responsibility for providing Christian ministry and witness in American Indian settings, and is a resource to the whole United Church of Christ in understanding and supporting American Indian churches and communities. The Council for American Indian Ministry supports and gives general direction to the American Indian members and congregations of the United Church of Christ, advocating with them, through CAIM’s Recognized Unit of Ministry, to embody their own cultures and values and to be vital parts of the United Church of Christ and the Conferences in which they are located. The Council for American Indian Ministry encourages and supports the identification, enlistment, and support of American Indian candidates for authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. Working with American Indian people throughout the United Church of Christ, the Council seeks to develop broad bases of visibility, nurture and support for American Indian people, communities, and churches. The Sixteenth General Synod vote calls for CAIM to be accountable to the General Synod through the United Church of Christ Board and to be funded from one-third of the net income of the neighbors in need offering.
287 Council for Higher Education The Council for Higher Education (CHE) shall be composed of the academies, colleges, and theological schools that indicate their desire to be recognized as related to the United Church of Christ and that are accepted by the Council as conforming to its standards; and of representative(s) from the United Church of Christ Board. For purposes of business and policy making, member academies, colleges, and theological schools shall be represented by each institution’s executive head or other key officer as designated by each institution’s executive head. The Council shall organize with its own chairperson, secretary, and any other officers needed to carry on its work. All officers shall be executive heads of their institutions. The Council shall be administratively related to the General Synod through the United Church of Christ Board; this provision not precluding the Council’s right to direct access to the General Synod concerning any matters in which it may feel that its interests in program or budget require the exercise of such access. The Executive Minister of Local Church Ministries shall be an advisory member of the Council with voice but without vote. The Council shall be organized in two sub-sections: College and Academy Section, and Seminary Section. The Council for Higher Education shall advance and interpret higher education in the United Church of Christ, including the cultivation of closer relationships between the educational institutions and the church, the expression of the connection between faith and knowledge in those institutions, and, in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board, the promotion of education as an integral part of the Church’s mission.
288 Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries Created by the Fourteenth General Synod (83-GS-43) the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM) provides a place where racial and ethnic groups can develop their common agenda, collaborate with appropriate program and mission bodies of the United Church of Christ so that resources for racial and ethnic ministries will be effective and relevant, discern appropriate ways by which the many and varied gifts of racial and ethnic groups may be made available to the Church, and advocate for racial and ethnic concerns within the United Church of Christ. It is composed of two representatives each from the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministry (PAAM), the Council for Hispanic Ministries (CHM), the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM), United Black Christians (UBC), and Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice (MRSEJ), who are accountable to the groups that send them. COREM is accountable to the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ.
289 Council for Theological Education The Council for Theological Education (CTE) shall be responsible for fostering mutual accountability between the United Church of Christ and the Seminaries of the United Church of Christ, for periodic reviews of the criteria for being designated as a Seminary of the United Church of Christ, and for the general well-being of the relationship between the seminaries and the United Church of Christ. The Council will exercise care for the Seminaries, explore ways by which theological education contributes to the leadership needs of the Church, foster cooperation among the Seminaries, and facilitate communication and appropriate engagement between the Seminaries of the United Church of Christ and Historically Related Seminaries and with other seminaries which provide theological education for persons preparing for authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. Seminaries of the United Church of Christ retain full membership and responsibility in the Council for Higher Education and its seminary section. The Council will provide comment to the United Church of Christ Board whenever the United Church of Christ Board prepares to recommend a seminary for recognition as a Seminary of the United Church of Christ. The Council shall be composed of the President and one additional representative from each of the Seminaries of the United Church of Christ, a representative from one of the Historically Related Seminaries, two representatives from the Council of Conference Ministers elected by that Council, two conference staff persons who relate to a Committee on Ministry and/or work with the search and call process from a conference not otherwise represented on the Council, four persons who serve on a Committee on Ministry, the General Minister and President, and the Executive Minister from Local Church Ministries. The Collegium will assign staff members as necessary to support the programmatic work of the Council. An intentional effort will be made to ensure that those who have been historically under-represented be present in the membership of the Council. The Council shall meet annually and shall elect its own officers each biennium.
290 Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries The Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries (CYYAM) shall serve to advocate, support programs, and be a resource for youth and young adult ministries throughout the United Church of Christ and shall report to the United Church of Christ Board and to the General Synod on issues, developments, and concerns in youth and young adult ministries in church and society. It shall monitor to ensure that the unique gifts and talents of youth and young adults are present in all aspects of the life of the Church. It shall inform, envision, and shape national youth and young adult ministry priorities across the Church. The Council and its membership will act as a resource regarding youth and young adult ministry opportunities across the Church (including but not limited to internships, mission trips, Regional Youth Events, National Youth Event, and General Synod). The Council shall organize itself as needed in order to carry out its work and shall have direct access to the United Church of Christ Board and the General Synod in areas of program and budget. The Council’s composition shall reflect the United Church of Christ’s commitment to having a diversity of perspectives in church governance.
291 Council of Conference Ministers The Council of Conference Ministers (CCM) shall be composed of the Conference Ministers of the several Conferences. The General Minister and President shall be a member ex-officio, without vote, of the Council and its Cabinet. It shall select a chairperson and such other officers and committees as it shall deem necessary. It shall elect from its members those who are to serve on the United Church of Christ Board and in other representative positions, distributing those positions among the Regions. It shall maintain a close relationship with the Officers of the Church, the United Church of Christ Board, and national units the Covenanted Ministries, the Affiliated Ministry, and the Associated Ministry with respect to matters affecting the life of the Church.
292 Historical Council The Historical Council (HC) shall be composed of twelve members, three elected by each of the Historical Societies, Congregational Christian and Evangelical and Reformed, and six at large appointed by the United Church of Christ Board. One-third shall be named each biennium for a term of six years, to serve until their respective successors are named and qualified, and not to exceed two terms. The United Church of Christ Board will name from these twelve members the chairperson. The Council shall meet at the call of the General Minister and President or the chairperson. It shall act in an advisory capacity to the General Minister and President and the United Church of Christ Board in overseeing the archives of the United Church of Christ and of the two Historical Societies, in expressing interest and concern for all archival collections related to the several heritages of the denomination, in recommending the amount to be allocated in the contributions budget for the Historical Societies, and in reminding the United Church of Christ of its traditions. The Council shall receive financial support through the United Church of Christ Board and staff support as assigned by the General Minister and President.
293 Council for Health and Human Service Ministries The Council for Health and Human Services Ministries (CHHSM) was recognized by the Fifteenth General Synod as an organization composed of institutions and programs in health and welfare related to the United Church of Christ and accepted by the CHHSM as conforming to its standards. The CHHSM is organized with its own Directorate and Officers. The purposes and functions of the CHHSM shall include: 1) The support and nurture for its member institutions and programs in fulfillment of their ministries as part of the mission of the United Church of Christ; 2) Representation of the ministries of its member institutions and programs to the General Synod and United Church of Christ Board in the conduct of the mission of the United Church of Christ in health and welfare; 3) Cooperation with the Conferences and the United Church of Christ Board in the process of Conference recognition of health and human service ministries, monitoring the authorization to seek funds within Conferences, and approval of requests to conduct capital campaigns; 4) Provision, annually, to the United Church of Christ Board, the names of those member institutions and programs which conform to the standards set by CHHSM; 5) Cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board in collecting information on institutions and programs in health and welfare to be listed in the United Church of Christ Yearbook; and 6) Participation in secular, ecumenical, and inter-faith networks in the field of health and welfare.
SELF-CREATED GROUPS
294 Council for Hispanic Ministries The Council for Hispanic Ministries (CHM) is an autonomous body working cooperatively with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, Regions and other Ministries of the United Church of Christ. It offers a perspective that honors the context and culture of its members while encouraging inter-cultural, inter-faith, and international dialogue among all constituencies. The Council shall promote its mission within the United Church of Christ and work with the Church to monitor boards and ministries that deal with concerns and issues important to Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas in the USA, Puerto Rico, Mexico and other nations of the Caribbean and Central and South America.
295 Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice (MRSEJ) is a group which brings together clergy who advocate on behalf of African Americans in church and society, providing a caucus of ministers for fellowship, for sharing mutual concerns, and for actions regarding the agenda of the black constituency within the United Church of Christ. MRSEJ challenges, monitors, initiates, and supports the cause of African American involvement to the fullest possible measure in the life of the United Church of Christ.
296 UCC Disabilities Ministries The UCC Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM) strives for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life and mission of the Church. The UCCDM encourages Local Churches to be open, inclusive, affirming, and accessible in their buildings, worship, education, fellowship, and service so that they may proclaim God’s word to and with all persons, including those with disabilities. It seeks to enable all members of the United Church of Christ to affirm the theological/biblical affirmations of the wholeness of all people, and to recognize the ministry to and with persons with disabilities as a part of the ministry of all the baptized. The UCCDM is composed of between twenty-five and fifty active and associate members. These representatives include persons with disabilities, members of families of persons with disabilities, experts on disabilities, and other persons from the United Church of Christ who support the purposes of the UCCDM.
297 Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries (PAAM), organized in 1974 and recognized by the Tenth General Synod, advocates for the presence, participation and contributions of PAAM in the life of the United Church of Christ and serves its constituent members and churches, initiating and supporting their life, and working for greater representation in wider church settings. It seeks to strengthen local churches, to nurture and develop lay and clergy leadership for the church, and to address issues of justice. As an advocate group for the rights of people, PAAM is involved in issues of the rights of Pacific Islander and Asian people in the United States and in the United Church of Christ and works in the areas of rights for women and children, the poor on welfare, institutional racism, and political prisoners.
298 United Black Christians United Black Christians (UBC) is a special interest group which represents over 50,000 African-American members of the United Church of Christ. It stands in the affirmation that each person has gifts to offer to the Church, and that each is entitled to full rights and privileges as children of God. UBC dedicates itself to providing voice for all African-American members of the United Church of Christ, seeking to witness to, and preserve the history and legacy of the African-American people and churches. UBC is an active advocate for liberation and social justice at home and abroad.
299 United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns The United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns (The Coalition) is composed of members and friends of the United Church of Christ who affirm the good news that all persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions are loved and empowered by God. The Coalition actively works to combat prejudice and seeks justice for, and the full inclusion and involvement of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians in all expressions of the United Church of Christ. In its leadership and outreach, The Coalition is committed to ending exclusion based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, race, age, size, class and/or ableness. It promotes mutual ministries of pastoral care, education, and advocacy within the United Church of Christ and society as a whole; encourages Local Churches, Associations and Conferences to become “Open and Affirming” (ONA); and organizes within Conferences to make resources of The Coalition available to all.
300 Relationships Unless otherwise designated in these Bylaws, each of the aforementioned bodies shall have a primary relationship with the United Church of Christ Board which shall serve as its primary linkage to the national expressions of the United Church of Christ, to which it shall report annually. This primary relationship shall be defined by the United Church of Christ Board in consultation with the respective group. The designated relationship shall be reviewed each biennium by the appropriate partners, and may be changed upon the mutual consent of those partners, and so declared by vote of the United Church of Christ Board. The Collegium of Officers shall be responsible for initiating said review.
The Constitution of the United Church of Christ was declared in force by the Third General Synod on July 4, 1961. It has been amended by General Synods in 1965, 1969, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2011.
The Bylaws were adopted by the Third General Synod on July 4, 1961.They have been amended by General Synods in 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2011.
Published by the Executive Council for the United Church of Christ.
Additional copies may be obtained from United Church of Church Resources, Inc., at 800-537-3394 or FAX 216-736-2206, at $4.50 each, or $4.00 each for ten or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
SECTION MENU
About Us
Who We Are
What We Believe
God is still speaking,
Hear Our Stories
UCC Firsts
United Church of Christ Board
Officers of the Church
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Annual Reports
Branding Guidelines
Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Mr. Lee Foley
Chief Administrative Officer
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2192
foleyl@ucc.org
Investments to benefit you. And the future.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/constitution-of-the-ucc.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > About Us
Constitution and Bylaws
Bylaws of the UCC
or download Constitution and Bylaws in PDF format!
Updated July 2, 2013
PREAMBLE
1 The United Church of Christ, formed June 25, 1957, by the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and The General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches of the United States in order to express more fully the oneness in Christ of the churches composing it, to make more effective their common witness in Him, and to serve His kingdom in the world, hereby adopts this Constitution.
2 The United Church of Christ acknowledges as its sole Head, Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior. It acknowledges as kindred in Christ all who share in this confession. It looks to the Word of God in the Scriptures, and to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, to prosper its creative and redemptive work in the world. It claims as its own the faith of the historic Church expressed in the ancient creeds and reclaimed in the basic insights of the Protestant Reformers. It affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God. In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, it recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.
3 The provisions herein define and regulate the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board and those Covenanted Ministries, Affiliated Ministries, and Associated Ministries, as hereinafter set forth, of the United Church of Christ which are related to the General Synod and describe the free and voluntary relationships which the Local Churches, Associations, Conferences and ministers sustain with the General Synod and with each other. The pattern of relationships and procedures so described is recommended to Local Churches, Associations, Conferences and authorized ministers, to enable them more effectively to accomplish their tasks and the work of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE I. NAME
4 The name of this Church shall be UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST.
ARTICLE II. STRUCTURE
5 The United Church of Christ is composed of Local Churches, Associations, Conferences and the General Synod.
ARTICLE III. COVENANTAL RELATIONSHIPS
6 Within the United Church of Christ, the various expressions of the church relate to each other in a covenantal manner. Each expression of the church has responsibilities and rights in relation to the others, to the end that the whole church will seek God’s will and be faithful to God’s mission. Decisions are made in consultation and collaboration among the various parts of the structure. As members of the Body of Christ, each expression of the church is called to honor and respect the work and ministry of each other part. Each expression of the church listens, hears, and carefully considers the advice, counsel, and requests of others. In this covenant, the various expressions of the United Church of Christ seek to walk together in all God’s ways.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
7 The Officers of the United Church of Christ shall be a General Minister and President, an Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, an Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries, an Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, and such other officers as the General Synod may from time to time determine. They shall be responsible to and called by election of the General Synod as officers of the United Church of Christ.
Collegium of Officers
8 Composed of the Officers of the United Church of Christ meeting as peers, the Collegium of Officers is responsible for providing leadership for the mission programming of the United Church of Christ and for the implementation of General Synod actions. The General Minister and President is the presiding officer of the Collegium. The Collegium shall attend to the quality of relationships among the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted Ministries and foster a climate of respect, collaboration, and collegiality among various expressions of the church. The Collegium provides a setting for mutual accountability, for mutual reporting, and for assessing the ongoing programs of the United Church of Christ. It shall reflect the commitment of the United Church of Christ to be an inclusive church.
ARTICLE V. LOCAL CHURCHES
9 The basic unit of the life and organization of the United Church of Christ is the Local Church.
10 A Local Church is composed of persons who, believing in the triune God, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are organized for Christian worship, for the furtherance of Christian fellowship, and for the ongoing work of Christian witness.
11 In accordance with the custom and usage of a Local Church, persons become members by (a) baptism and either confirmation or profession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; (b) reaffirmation or reprofession of faith; or (c) letter of transfer or certification from other Christian churches.
12 All persons who are or shall become members of a Local Church of the United Church of Christ are thereby members of the United Church of Christ.
13 Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church unite in the United Church of Christ without break in their respective historic continuities and traditions.
14 The following Local Churches compose the United Church of Christ:
a) The Local Churches of the Evangelical and Reformed Church;
b) The Local Churches of the Congregational Christian fellowship which vote to become a part of the United Church of Christ, or which vote to approve this Constitution;
c) Any Congregational Christian Local Church which, although it has not voted to become a part of the United Church of Christ, or to approve this Constitution, votes to join the United Church of Christ after this Constitution is declared in force;
d) Any Local Church which, after this Constitution is declared in force, is accepted, on any basis other than that described in paragraph 16, into an Association, or Conference, of the United Church of Christ;
e) The Local Churches of any denomination which, after this Constitution is declared in force, unites with the United Church of Christ; and
f) Any Local Church in a category not otherwise defined in this article, received upon its request, subject to such provisions as in consultation with the Conference may be specified by the Association within whose bounds it is located, and which are not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
15 Local Churches of the United Church of Christ are represented in the General Synod by the delegates from the Conferences to which they belong.
16 An Association or a Conference of the United Church of Christ may, under such provisions as it deems wise, admit, or continue to fellowship with, any Congregational Christian Local Church which is not part of the United Church of Christ. The names and statistics of such churches shall be kept separately; their members shall not be counted in determining the number of delegates which the Conference is entitled to send to the General Synod or hold elective office in that body, except that no ordained minister who has full standing or ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ shall be ineligible to be a delegate to the General Synod or to hold elective office in that body. No direct or indirect participation by any such Local Church in, or support of, the work of the United Church of Christ, or of any of its Covenanted Ministries, The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ, United Church Funds, or of any Conference or Association, shall be construed as making it a church of the United Church of Christ.
17 The Local Churches of the United Church of Christ have, in fellowship, a God-given responsibility for that Church, its labors and its extension, even as the United Church of Christ has, in fellowship, a God-given responsibility for the wellbeing and needs and aspirations of its Local Churches. In mutual Christian concern and in dedication to Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, the one and the many share in common Christian experience and responsibility.
18 The autonomy of the Local Church is inherent and modifiable only by its own action. Nothing in this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ shall destroy or limit the right of each Local Church to continue to operate in the way customary to it; nor shall be construed as giving to the General Synod, or to any Conference or Association now, or at any future time, the power to abridge or impair the autonomy of any Local Church in the management of its own affairs, which affairs include, but are not limited to, the right to retain or adopt its own methods of organization, worship and education; to retain or secure its own charter and name; to adopt its own constitution and bylaws; to formulate its own covenants and confessions of faith; to admit members in its own way and to provide for their discipline or dismissal; to call or dismiss its pastor or pastors by such procedure as it shall determine; to acquire, own, manage and dispose of property and funds; to control its own benevolences; and to withdraw by its own decision from the United Church of Christ at any time without forfeiture of ownership or control of any real or personal property owned by it.
19 Actions by, or decisions or advice emanating from, the General Synod, a Conference or an Association, should be held in the highest regard by every Local Church.
ARTICLE VI.THE MINISTRY
20 The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls the whole Church and every member to participate in and extend the ministry of Jesus Christ by witnessing to the Gospel in church and society. The United Church of Christ seeks to undergird the ministry of its members by nurturing faith, calling forth gifts, and equipping members for Christian service.
21 The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls certain of its members to various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the church for which ecclesiastical authorization is required. Recognizing God’s call, the ecclesiastical authorization is granted by an Association through the rite of ordination, through commissioning, licensing, granting either ordained ministerial standing or ordained ministerial partner standing and other acts of authorization.
22 Ordination is the rite whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation with the person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member whom God has called to ordained ministry, and sets that person apart by prayer and the laying on of hands. By this rite ordained ministerial standing and status as an Ordained Ministerial Partner is conferred and authorization given to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.
23 An Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ is one of its members who has been called by God and ordained to preach and teach the gospel, to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church, and to exercise pastoral care and leadership.
24 Ordained ministerial standing is an ongoing covenant of mutual accountability, as described in Paragraph 25, which recognizes and continues the authorization of that person to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry. Ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ is granted by and held in an Association in cooperation with a local church and confers voting membership in the Association.
25 The Call of an Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner (see Article VII) to a Local Church establishes a covenantal relationship among the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner, the Local Church, and the United Church of Christ as represented by an Association. The Call of an Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner to other forms of ministry recognized by an Association of the United Church of Christ establishes a covenantal relationship among the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner, the calling body, the United Church of Christ as represented by an Association and the Local Church where the Ordained Minister or Ordained Ministerial Partner is a member.
26 Commissioning is the act whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation with a person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member whom God has called to a specific church-related ministry which is recognized by that Association, but not requiring ordination or licensing. By this act the status of Commissioned Minister is conferred and authorization granted to perform duties necessary to and for the specific ministry, and voting membership in that Association is granted.
27 A Commissioned Minister in the United Church of Christ is one of its members who has been called by God and commissioned for a specific church-related ministry.
28 Licensing is the act whereby the United Church of Christ through an Association, in cooperation with a person and a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, recognizes and authorizes that member whom God has called to perform specified duties in a designated Local Church or within that Association, mainly preaching and conducting services of worship, for a designated time within a covenant of mutual accountability that includes appropriate supervision and guidance of that Association. The license may be renewed. Voting membership in that Association is granted.
29 A Licensed Minister of the United Church of Christ is one of its members whom God has called and who has been recognized and authorized by an Association to perform specified duties in a designated Local Church or within that Association, mainly preaching and conducting services of worship, for a designated time within a covenant of mutual accountability that includes appropriate supervision and guidance of that Association. The license may be renewed.
30 A Member in Discernment is a member of the United Church of Christ who has been called by God and who is, in covenant with that member’s Local Church and Association, engaging in a time of discernment of that call and preparation for authorized ministry in response to that call.
ARTICLE VII. RECOGNITION AND RECONCILIATION OF THE ORDAINED MINISTRIES OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST AND THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST)
31 The United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) recognize the ordained ministries of the other church to be efficacious ministries of grace within that church and these ministries to be valid and full ministries of the one Church of Jesus Christ.
32 The ordained ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are reconciled. An Ordained Minister with ordained ministerial standing in one church may function, whenever invited, and as established procedures permit, as an ordained minister to the other.
33 The designations “Ordained Ministerial Partner” and “ordained ministerial partner standing” manifest the corporate and individual nature of the recognition and reconciliation of the ordained ministries of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
34 Each member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who holds ordained ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is an Ordained Ministerial Partner of the United Church of Christ.
35 Each member of the United Church of Christ who holds ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ is an Ordained Ministerial Partner of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
36 Ordained ministerial partner standing is authorization granted to an Ordained Minister with ordained ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who has a call to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. This authorization assumes knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ. Ordained ministerial partner standing provides ongoing ecclesiastical authorization to perform the duties and exercise the prerogatives of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE VIII. ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCES
37 Associations and Conferences are bodies organized on a territorial basis to perform functions in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
Associations
38 An Association is that body within a Conference of the United Church of Christ which is composed of all Local Churches in a geographical area, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing therein, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers in that Association.
39 Subsequent to the initial organization of Associations in the United Church of Christ, the boundaries of any new Association, or any adjustment of boundaries between Associations, shall be determined by the Associations concerned with the approval of the Conference or Conferences involved. The standing of an Association as a body of the United Church of Christ is determined by the Conference in which it is located.
40 An Association is that body which determines, confers, and certifies to the standing of the Local Churches of the United Church of Christ within its area.
41 An Association is that body which grants authorization that is required for various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the Church. Such authorization is granted through the rite of ordination, through commissioning, licensing, granting either ordained ministerial standing or ordained ministerial partner standing and other acts of authorization. Such authorization may be terminated by the Association.
42 An Association may retain or secure its own charter, and adopt its own constitution, bylaws and other rules which it deems essential to its own welfare and not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
43 An Association is related to the General Synod through its Conference.
44 When an Association meets, its voting membership includes the lay delegates selected by and representing the Local Churches of that Association, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing therein, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers of that Association.
45 Meetings of the Association are held annually and at such other times as may be necessary for the discharge of its responsibilities.
Conferences
46 A Conference is that body of the United Church of Christ which is composed of all Local Churches in a geographical area, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing in its Associations or in the Conference itself when acting as an Association, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers in its Associations.
47 Subsequent to the initial organization of Conferences in the United Church of Christ, the boundaries of any new Conference, or any adjustment of boundaries between Conferences, shall be determined by the Conferences concerned with the approval of the General Synod. The standing of a Conference as a body of the United Church of Christ is determined by the General Synod.
48 A Conference may retain or secure its own charter, and adopt its own constitution, bylaws and other rules which it deems essential to its own welfare and not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
49 A Conference is related to the General Synod as described in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
50 When a Conference meets, its voting membership includes lay delegates selected by and representing the Local Churches of that Conference, all Ordained Ministers holding standing or ordained ministerial partner standing in its Associations or in the Conference itself when acting as an Association, all Commissioned Ministers and Licensed Ministers in its Associations.
51 Meetings of the Conference are held annually and at such other times as may be necessary for the discharge of its responsibilities.
Conferences Acting as Associations
52 A Conference may exercise the functions of an Association when they are delegated to it by an Association or where no Association exists.
ARTICLE IX.THE GENERAL SYNOD
53 The General Synod is the gathering of a faith community representative of the wider church to listen for and discern the call of God to the United Church of Christ. The General Synod deliberates, discerns, and identifies the mission of the wider church of the United Church of Christ in God’s world and receives and offers suggestions, invitations, challenges, and assistance in covenant with Local Churches, Conferences, and other settings as they engage in mission together. The General Synod is the representative body of the United Church of Christ and is composed of voting delegates, as described in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. A quorum for the conduct of business shall consist of one-third of the voting delegates, provided that in this number at least two-thirds of the Conferences are represented by at least one delegate each. There shall also be associate delegates and ecumenical delegates, without vote, as determined by the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ or action of the General Synod.
Powers and Responsibilities of General Synod
54 The General Synod has the following powers and responsibilities, provided, however, that no power vested in the General Synod shall invade the autonomy of Conferences, Associations, and Local Churches, or impair their right to acquire, own, manage, and dispose of property and funds:
a) To carry on, directly and through the United Church of Christ Board, as well as through the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries and other bodies, the work of the United Church of Christ, and to provide for the financial support of this work;
b) To create such bodies, temporary or permanent, incorporated or unincorporated, suitable for the discharge of its responsibilities;
c) To organize as required for the transaction of business;
d) To call and elect Officers of the United Church of Christ who shall be chosen from the membership of the United Church of Christ and who shall serve as Officers of the General Synod;
e) To elect all members of the United Church of Christ Board, which shall act as the General Synod ad interim and carry out the United Church of Christ Board’s other responsibilities as described in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
f) To establish and maintain national headquarters for the United Church of Christ;
g) To establish a Treasury, which shall receive funds contributed to the General Synod for the support of the United Church of Christ and for its Covenanted Ministries;
h) To determine the relationships of the United Church of Christ with ecumenical organizations, world confessional bodies, interfaith and other interdenominational agencies;
i) To encourage conversations with other communions and when appropriate to authorize and guide negotiations with them, looking toward formal union;
j) To amend this Constitution as hereinafter provided; and
k) To adopt Bylaws for the United Church of Christ and, as hereinafter provided, to amend them.
Meetings of the General Synod
55 The General Synod shall hold meetings at regular intervals as provided in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. Special meetings may be called in the manner provided in those Bylaws.
Correlation
56 a) The General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board shall consider the work of all Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries. It shall also correlate their work, publicity and promotion, preventing duplication and effecting economies of administration, so as to secure maximum effectiveness and efficiency through careful stewardship of personnel and financial resources.
b) The General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board and each of the Board of Directors of all Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries shall assure that due protection shall be given to all assets, trust funds, including pension funds so that the legacy/historic restrictions on the use of restricted funds and the intended use restrictions of the unrestricted funds of each of the historic ministries are monitored, accounted for, maintained and reported to the United Church of Christ Board to assure that the use of all such assets and funds will be allocated and used based on donor intent, whenever that can be determined.
ARTICLE X. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BOARD
57 The United Church of Christ Board is the successor to and agent for the Executive Council and the Office of General Ministries (including its predecessor offices and bodies: President, Secretary, and Director of Finance and Treasurer of the United Church of Christ; Commission on Development; Stewardship Council; Office of Communication; and ministries of research formerly conducted by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries), and as such continues the work, mandates and legacies of these predecessor bodies and offices. The members of the United Church of Christ Board shall serve as the directors of each of the Covenanted Ministries. The United Church of Christ Board shall be responsible for strategic planning and policymaking. The United Church of Christ Board shall be responsible, with the General Minister and President, for the ecumenical and interfaith relationships of the United Church of Christ in the national setting. In all its work, the United Church of Christ Board shall be guided by the policies established by the General Synod. The United Church of Christ Board shall be incorporated in order to carry out its mandates and responsibilities, including without limitation, performing all legal functions of the General Synod, as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. The members of the United Church of Christ Board shall be elected and shall serve as provided in the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE XI. COVENANTED MINISTRIES
58 The United Church of Christ recognizes the call to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed through the work of Local Churches; Associations; Conferences; national expressions; and global, ecumenical, and interfaith relationships. The United Church of Christ is and seeks to be an inclusive, multiracial, multicultural church, accessible to all, engaging in ministries of justice, witness, healing, teaching, and preaching. There are three Covenanted Ministries as defined and set forth in the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ: Local Church Ministries, Wider Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries. A Covenanted Ministry may retain or secure its own charter and adopt its own bylaws and other rules which it deems essential to its own welfare and not inconsistent with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ and in accordance with advice and counsel given from time to time by the General Synod.
Powers and Responsibilities of Covenanted Ministries
59 Each Covenanted Ministry shall have the following powers and responsibilities:
a) To carry out the Covenanted Ministry’s programmatic work, including the historical mandates of its predecessor bodies, as set forth in its Charter and Bylaws, or referred from the General Synod, or as set forth in the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
b) To retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property;
c) To work in covenantal relationship with the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board, and other Ministries to fulfill its mandates;
d) To participate through its Executive Minister in the Collegium of Officers;
e) To participate in the Mission Planning Council;
f) To nominate and elect its Executive Minister as set forth in paragraph 61b;
g) To organize itself as it deems necessary to carry out its programmatic work, including the fulfillment of historical mandates, which shall be carried out in accordance with this Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, through the United Church of Christ Board;
h) To determine its budget to be submitted to the United Church of Christ Board in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
i) To adopt its own charter, bylaws, and rules of procedure which it deems essential to its own welfare, not inconsistent with the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ;
j) To hold in highest regard actions by, or decisions or advice emanating from, the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board, another Covenanted Ministry, a Conference, an Association, or a Local Church.
60 Each Covenanted Ministry shall be incorporated in order to fulfill its mandates; fulfill all normal, lawful purposes; and receive, hold, manage, and distribute real and personal property, endowments, and restricted funds in compliance with the terms, conditions, and requirements of said funds. The voting membership of each Covenanted Ministry shall be the members of that corporation’s Board of Directors.
61 The corporation documents of Local Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries shall reflect their covenantal relationship with the General Synod and shall provide:
a) that the members of the United Church of Christ Board comprise the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry;
b) that the Covenanted Ministry shall vest the General Synod with the power to call by election the Executive Minister of the Covenanted Ministry;
c) that any modification of the provisions or powers in a or b above shall be authorized only after consultation with the Collegium of Officers and the United Church of Christ Board and after presentation to the General Synod, and shall require an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all voting members of the Covenanted Ministry;
d) that the Covenanted Ministry must approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property;
e) that dissolution of the Covenanted Ministry shall occur only with an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all members of the Covenanted Ministry, after advice and consultation with the General Synod, and only with provision for the transfer of the ownership, management, and control of its assets and funds to a successor corporation that is legally obligated and empowered to own and carry out the obligations, terms, conditions, and requirements of said assets and funds, as the Board of Directors shall determine. In keeping with the covenantal basis of the United Church of Christ, such successor corporation shall be related to the United Church of Christ whenever legally permissible and appropriate, all as determined by the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry.
62 The General Synod, in covenant with a Covenanted Ministry, may, from time to time, delegate or assign to a Covenanted Ministry such responsibilities as fall within that Covenanted Ministry’s purpose and mission as set forth in the Constitution and the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ and in that Covenanted Ministry’s corporate documents.
63 Each Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ shall report its finances annually to the United Church of Christ Board and to each regular meeting of the General Synod. Each Covenanted Ministry shall submit to the United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee of the General Synod, a detailed request for support of its work through funds allocated from the biennial income goal to be recommended to the General Synod.
Incorporation of Existing and Prior Agencies
64 The Covenanted Ministries listed in paragraph 58 above, acting as successors to and agents for all predecessor bodies related to the United Church of Christ, continue the work, mandates, and legacies previously carried on by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the Board of International Missions, the Commission on World Service, the Congregational Christian Service Committee, the United Church Board for World Ministries, Board of National Missions, Board of Christian Education and Publication, Board of Business Management, Board of Home Missions of the Reformed Church in the U. S., the American Missionary Association, Congregational Church Building Society, Congregational Education Society, Congregational Home Missionary Society, Congregational Publishing Society, The Congregational Sunday School Extension Society, the Congregational Women’s Home Missionary Federation, the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society, Commission for Racial Justice, Office for Church Life and Leadership, Office for Church in Society, Stewardship Council, and Office of Communication.
Local Church Ministries
65 The purpose and mission of Local Church Ministries, to be carried out in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, shall be to encourage and support the Local Churches of the United Church of Christ in the fulfillment of God’s mission. Specifically, Local Church Ministries continues the work of, and acts as agent for, the following predecessor bodies: the Office for Church Life and Leadership, the Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society, the Stewardship Council, the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, and its predecessor bodies: The Board of National Missions, Board of Christian Education and Publication, Board of Business Management, Board of Home Missions of the Reformed Church in the U.S., the American Missionary Association, Congregational Church Building Society, Congregational Education Society, Congregational Home Mission Society, Congregational Publishing Society, The Congregational Sunday School Extension Society, the Congregational Women’s Home Missionary Federation.
Justice and Witness Ministries
66 The purpose and mission of Justice and Witness Ministries, to be carried out in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, shall be to enable and encourage Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and the national expressions of the United Church of Christ to engage in God’s mission globally by direct action for the integrity of creation, justice, and peace. Justice and Witness Ministries continues the work of, and acts as agent for, the following predecessor bodies: the Office for Church in Society, the Commission for Racial Justice, the Coordinating Center for Women in Church and Society. It also continues the following: ministries of public policy advocacy in the area of communications formerly conducted by the Office of Communication, ministries of prophetic service and action formerly conducted by the Division of the American Missionary Association of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, ministries of global advocacy in the U.S.A. formerly conducted by the United Church Board for World Ministries.
Wider Church Ministries
67 The purpose and mission of Wider Church Ministries, to be carried out in accordance with the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, shall be to encourage and support Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and the national expressions of the United Church of Christ to participate in the global, multiracial, multicultural church, and to support United Church of Christ ministries around the world and the nation. Wider Church Ministries continues the work of, and acts as agent for, the following predecessor bodies: the United Church Board for World Ministries, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the Board of International Missions, the Commission on World Service, and the Congregational Christian Service Committee. It also continues the following: ministries of volunteer services formerly conducted by the Division of the American Missionary Association of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries; ministries of the Health and Welfare Coordinating Council formerly related to the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries.
ARTICLE XII. AFFILIATED AND ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
68 An Affiliated Ministry of the United Church of Christ is a non-profit corporation which provides services to or for the United Church of Christ, and whose Board of Trustees is elected by its corporate membership, and which was recognized previously as an Instrumentality by the General Synod.
69 An Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ Board of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ is a nonprofit corporation which provides services to or for the United Church of Christ, and whose corporate membership is nominated and elected by the United Church of Christ Board, and which was recognized previously as an instrumentality by the General Synod.
Pension and Relief Activities
70 The pension activities of the United Church of Christ are administered by a non-profit membership corporation(s) known as The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ and designated as an Affiliated Ministry of the United Church of Christ. The control of each such corporation lies in its members through a board of trustees chosen by the members from a list of persons whose names have been presented to and approved by the General Synod or by the United Church of Christ Board. Persons for this list may be proposed by any member of the corporation(s) or by the Trustees thereof. Such corporation(s) shall report its program and finance annually to its members and to the United Church of Christ Board and to each regular meeting of the General Synod.The General Synod shall from time to time make examination of the practices and developments of such corporation(s).
71 The ministerial relief activities of the United Church of Christ, by whatever corporate bodies administered, are coordinated with the pension activities of the Church through corporation(s) above described. The pension and the relief corporation(s) shall submit to the United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee of the General Synod, a request for allocation of sufficient funds, from the budget to be approved by the United Church of Christ Board, for the payment of ministerial relief benefits and such other benefits as the United Church of Christ Board may provide. Payment of such benefits shall be limited to the funds received for that purpose.
United Church Funds
72 The United Church Funds, Inc., is designated as an Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ to receive gifts from individuals and organizations, to hold such funds and property as may be entrusted or conveyed to it by the General Synod and other organizations, and administer, invest, and reinvest the same and other funds in trust or otherwise, as set forth in the Bylaws.
73 The United Church Funds shall report its program and finances annually to the United Church of Christ Board and to each regular meeting of the General Synod, and shall submit to the United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee of the General Synod, a detailed request for support of its work through funds allocated from the biennial income goal to be recommended to the General Synod.
ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS
The Constitution
74 Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a Conference, the General Synod or the United Church of Christ Board. Such proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ at least three months prior to a meeting of the General Synod to which they are to be presented. At least two months prior to the meeting of the General Synod, the General Minister and President shall transmit such proposed amendments to the delegates, to the Conferences and to the Local Churches. Adoption of an amendment to the Constitution shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting in the General Synod and, before the next regular meeting of the General Synod, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Conferences. If so approved the General Synod, if in session, or the United Church of Christ Board, shall declare the amendment adopted and in force.1
The Bylaws
75 Amendments to the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ may be proposed by an Association, a Conference, the General Synod, or the United Church of Christ Board. Such proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ at least three months prior to the meeting of the General Synod to which they are to be presented. At least two months prior to the meeting of the General Synod, the General Minister and President shall transmit such proposed amendments to the delegates, to the Conferences and to the Local Churches. Any Bylaw that is contingent upon a
Constitutional provision shall not be effective until after the Constitutional provision is ratified and declared in force. Adoption of an amendment to the Bylaws shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting in the General Synod, and shall be effective upon adoption unless otherwise set forth in the vote.
1The General Synod declared the original Constitution of the United Church of Christ in force June, 1961, upon ratification of 2/3 of the Synods of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and by 2/3 of the Congregational Christian churches voting.
Bylaws of the United Church of Christ
PREAMBLE
100 These Bylaws, consistent with the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, further define and/or regulate the General Synod and its relationships with the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries and Other Bodies which are related to the General Synod, and the United Church of Christ Board, and describe the free and voluntary relationships which the Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and ordained, commissioned and licensed Ministers sustain with the General Synod and with one another. The pattern of relationships and procedures so described is recommended to Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and authorized ministers to enable them more effectively to accomplish their tasks and the work of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE I. THE MINISTRY
Members in Discernment
101 A member of a United Church of Christ local church wishing to explore God’s call to ministry, and the potential of that call leading to authorized ministry (ordained, commissioned or licensed), requests, along with the member’s local church, to enter a Covenant of Discernment with the Association.
102 The Committee on Ministry of the member’s Association interviews the member to decide whether to join with the member and the local church in a covenant of discernment. The goal of discernment is to determine whether the member is called to authorized ministry, what the specific character of that ministry might be, and, if authorization is appropriate, what steps are to be taken toward authorization. Normally a covenant of discernment leading to authorization is expected to be for not less than two years.
103 The Association and the local church are in a mutual covenant with the Member in Discernment to offer support, counsel, and direction during this time of decision making and preparation.
104 A Member in Discernment who is called to authorized ministry will follow a plan of preparation for that ministry which has been prepared with the Association Committee on Ministry. With respect to ordained ministry, a bachelor’s degree and Master of Divinity may be included in the plan.
Ordained Ministry
105 Not more than six months prior to the completion of theological preparation for authorization, a Member in Discernment preparing for the ordained ministry applies with his or her Local Church to its Association for approval as a candidate for ordination. If the service of ordination is to be performed within an Association other than that of the Member, the procedure, including that described in the following paragraph, is initiated by that Association after consultation with the Association which is in covenant with the Member in Discernment.
106 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with respect to Christian faith; character; ability to do the work expected; preparation to meet the responsibilities of the office; educational and theological attainments; and knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ. If, following this examination, the committee is satisfied with the fitness of the Member in Discernment, it makes an affirmative recommendation to the Association. In turn, upon receipt of this recommendation, the Association may opt for further examination or proceed immediately to authorize the ordination, subject to a call recognized by the Association.
107 Ordination by an Association of the United Church of Christ, in cooperation with the Local Church, confers ordained ministerial standing as an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ and status as an Ordained Ministerial Partner of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
108 After the ordination or in anticipation of it, a certificate is issued bearing the signatures of the proper officers of the Association and the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
Ordained Ministerial Standing
109 An Ordained Minister moving from the bounds of one Association to another applies for a transfer of ordained ministerial standing to the new Association.
110 An Ordained Minister engaged in local church ministry has standing in the Association in which the Local Church served has standing. An Ordained Minister engaged in other than local church ministry has standing in the Association where his or her Local Church membership is held.
111 An Ordained Minister engaged in a ministry requiring prolonged absence from the United States, or one that does not permit a fixed residence, is entitled to have ordained ministerial standing in the Association of his or her choice.
112 An Ordained Minister who withdraws from active service in the ordained ministry prior to retirement applies to his or her Association for leave of absence. The Association may grant such leave of absence for one year at a time. Except in special cases such leave of absence is not granted for more than five years in succession.
113 An Ordained Minister retiring from active service by reason of age or disability retains ordained ministerial standing in the Association of his or her choice.
114 An Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ serving a Local Church not affiliated with the United Church of Christ or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or serving a local church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) without ordained ministerial partner standing retains ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ so long as his or her Association approves.
115 The church membership of an authorized minister serving in local church ministry shall be in the Local Church served. The church membership of an authorized minister serving in a setting other than local church ministry, or of an authorized minister without fixed residence shall be in a Local Church of the United Church of Christ in the Association where he or she holds or seeks authorized ministerial standing.
Ordained Ministers from Other Denominations
116 A person has ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ only when serving a United Church of Christ calling body.
117 Upon demonstrating knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ to the Association in which the person resides, an Ordained Ministerial Partner may seek a call in the United Church of Christ.
118 An Ordained Ministerial Partner who accepts a call in the United Church of Christ applies for ordained ministerial partner standing to the Association in which Local Church membership is held.
119 When an Ordained Ministerial Partner accepts a call to a Local Church, the Partner and the Local Church join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation.
120 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in an Association shall hold membership in a Local Church of the United Church of Christ.
121 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in an Association shall maintain ordained ministerial standing within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Region in which the United Church of Christ calling body is located.
122 A person who has ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ, and who accepts a call in another Association, shall apply for a transfer of ordained ministerial partner standing to the new Association.
123 When a disciplinary review is instituted in relation to a person holding ordained ministerial partner standing in the United Church of Christ, the Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in which the person’s ordained ministerial standing is maintained shall be informed and invited to participate in the procedures.
124 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall maintain ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ. Ordained ministerial standing shall be held in the Association in which local church membership is held.
125 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall hold local church membership in a local church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
126 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall relate to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for his or her primary support and accountability in ordained ministry.
127 A person who holds ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is subject to periodic review by the Association in which ordained ministerial standing is maintained.
128 When a disciplinary procedure is instituted by a Region in relation to a person holding ordained ministerial partner standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the United Church of Christ Association in which standing is held shall be informed and invited to participate. The Association may accept the procedures and outcome of the Region or utilize its own procedures to determine the person’s ongoing standing in the United Church of Christ.
129 When a person no longer has ordained ministerial standing in either the United Church of Christ or Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), that person is no longer an Ordained Ministerial Partner and ordained ministerial partner standing is nullified.
130 An ordained minister of another denomination who desires to enter the ordained ministry of the United Church of Christ applies for Privilege of Call to the Association within whose bounds he or she resides.
131 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the applicant as to his or her abilities, reasons for desiring to enter the ordained ministry of the United Church of Christ, educational and theological attainments, knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ, and Christian faith and experience. If the applicant is found to be qualified, the Association grants Privilege of Call, thereby commending said applicant for placement in the United Church of Christ. Privilege of Call shall be granted for a period of one year and may be renewed. After accepting a call, the Ordained Minister applies for ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ to the Association of which the Local Church extending the call is a part.
132 A certificate granting Privilege of Call is issued bearing the signatures of the proper officer of the Association and the General Minister and President.
133 An ordained minister of another denomination other than the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) who wishes to retain ordained ministerial standing in that denomination and who has become pastor of a Local Church of the United Church of Christ, or serves in a Covenanted, Affiliated or Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ, or has become pastor of a yoked charge or a federated church one part of which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, or has been called to an ecumenical ministry one constituent of which is the United Church of Christ, may apply to the Association for dual ordained ministerial standing which is limited to duration of that pastorate or that responsibility, and during that period may have all the rights and privileges of such membership.
Commissioned Ministers
134 A Member in Discernment seeking initial recognition and authorization as a Commissioned Minister applies with his or her Local Church to the Association of which that church is a member.
135 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with respect to Christian faith, character, ability to do the work expected and preparation to meet the responsibilities of the office to be filled, and make its recommendation of fitness to the Association. If upon acceptance of the recommendation or upon further examination and decision by the Association itself, the applicant is found to be qualified, commissioning thereby is authorized.
136 A certificate designating the applicant as Commissioned Minister is issued bearing the signatures of proper officers of the Association and the General Minister and President.
137 A Commissioned Minister is listed separately from Ordained Ministers and from Licensed Ministers on the rolls of the Association which has commissioned him or her.
138 A Commissioned Minister moving from the bounds of one Association to another and who continues in the specific church-related ministry, applies for a transfer of the commission to the new Association.
139 A Commissioned Minister seeking to be commissioned for a new or different church-related ministry applies to the Association for commissioning for the new ministry.
140 A Commissioned Minister who ceases to function in the specific church-related ministry to which he or she was commissioned resigns the commission or applies to the Association for leave of absence. Leave of absence is granted for one year at a time, but not more than three consecutive years.
141 A Commissioned Minister who retires from service as a Commissioned Minister may be recognized by the Association as a Retired Commissioned Minister of the United Church of Christ. Voting membership in that Association is thereby granted. Such recognition is regularly reviewed.
Licensed Ministers
142 A Member in Discernment seeking recognition and authorization as a Licensed Minister applies with his or her Local Church to the Association of which that church is a member.
143 The Committee on Ministry of the Association examines the Member in Discernment with respect to Christian faith, character, ability to do the work expected, preparation to meet the responsibilities of the office, educational and theological attainments, and knowledge of the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ. If the applicant is found to be qualified, a license is granted by the Association for not more than one year to serve in a designated Local Church or within that Association. Following a review by the Committee on Ministry, the license may be renewed annually for two more years after which the Association may grant the license for a time determined to be appropriate.
144 At the request of the Local Church which the person serves, the Association may grant the Licensed Minister the right to administer the sacraments and rites of the Church for this Local Church.
145 A Licensed Minister is listed separately from Ordained Ministers and from Commissioned Ministers on the rolls of the Association which has licensed him or her.
146 A Licensed Minister who retires from service as a Licensed Minister may be recognized by the Association as a Retired Licensed Minister of the United Church of Christ. Voting membership in that Association is thereby granted. Such recognition is regularly reviewed.
Calling, Installing and Terminating a Pastor
147 It is the responsibility of a committee of the Local Church to seek a candidate for a vacancy in the office of pastor.
148 In filling a vacancy or in securing pastoral services during the period of a vacancy, the committee of the Local Church, through its Conference Minister, obtains counsel and access to the services of the “Search and Call” process of the United Church of Christ.
149 The committee of a Local Church requests the Conference Minister to secure relevant information about any Ordained Minister, Ordained Ministerial Partner, or Licensed Minister whom it wishes to consider or who requests to be considered for the vacancy.
150 Any Ordained Minister, Ordained Ministerial Partner, or Licensed Minister may confer with the Conference Minister concerning a pastoral vacancy. At the Ordained Minister’s request or at the request of the Ordained Ministerial Partner, his or her name shall be submitted by the Conference Minister for consideration by the committee of any Local Church where there is a pastoral vacancy.
151 All vacancies within the Conference shall be reported promptly to the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President by the Conference Minister.
152 The Committee of the Local Church presents to the church the name of a candidate it recommends to fill the vacancy. The Local Church determines whether or not it wishes to call the person recommended.
153 In the call the terms of the pastoral relationship are stated, including the agreement of the Local Church to participate in the pension fund on the pastor’s behalf. The pastor, the Local Church, Association Committee on Ministry, and the Conference Minister should each receive a copy of the call. The Conference Minister shall inform the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President when the call has been accepted.
154 When an Ordained Minister or Licensed Minister accepts a call to a Local Church, the Minister and the church join in requesting the Association to arrange for a service of installation or recognition.
155 Report of the service of installation or recognition is signed by the proper officer of the Association and by the Conference Minister, and is forwarded to the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President.
156 When a pastor or a Local Church decides to terminate the pastoral relationship, notice of the decision is sent to the Conference Minister and the Association. The Association takes action appropriate to the dissolution of the pastoral relationship. The Conference Minister promptly informs the designated administrative office in the office of the General Minister and President of these actions.
Ministerial Accountability
157 All authorized ministers of the United Church of Christ are active partners in a covenant of mutual accountability with their Association of standing, their Local Church, and, in the case of those serving in settings other than a local church, with their calling body. Such a covenant includes, but is not limited to, mutual support and care, continued discernment of call, and lifelong learning.
158 All authorizations for ordained ministerial standing, for ordained ministerial partner standing, and for commissioned and licensed ministry granted by an Association are subject to oversight by that Association, including periodic consultation and review.
159 The discipline of Ordained Ministers, persons with ordained ministerial partner standing, Commissioned Ministers, and Licensed Ministers is the responsibility of the Association in which their current ecclesiastical authorization is held.
ARTICLE II. ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCES
Associations
160 An Association elects officers and elects or appoints such committees as it deems necessary for the transaction of its business and the correlation of its work with that of the Conference and the General Synod.
161 An Association determines its own method for securing financial support.
162 An Association is concerned with the welfare of all Local Churches within its boundaries.
163 An Association seeks ways and means to assist Local Churches when they are undergoing unusual difficulties requiring help beyond their own resources.
164 An Association offers encouragement, guidance, and assistance in the organization of new Local Churches.
165 An Association, with the counsel of the Conference, receives Local Churches into the United Church of Christ.
166 An Association covenants with members of the United Church of Christ within that Association as together they discern God’s call to authorized ministry and prepare for ordination, commissioning or licensing.
167 An Association ordains, commissions, and licenses qualified candidates; grants standing as a covenantal relationship with ordained ministers, licensed ministers, commissioned ministers, and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing; certifies to, transfers, and terminates ordained ministerial standing, ordained ministerial partner standing, commissioned ministerial standing and licenses; installs Ordained Ministers and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing; covenants with licensed ministers, commissioned ministers, and the local churches to which they are called; grants privilege of call and leaves of absence; reviews and disciplines Ordained, Commissioned, and Licensed Ministers and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing; and verifies that an Ordained Ministerial Partner has demonstrated knowledge of, and appreciation for, the history, polity, and practices of the United Church of Christ.
168 An Association receives and acts upon business referred to it by its Local Churches, its Conference, the General Synod, and other bodies.
169 An Association may petition and overture its Conference or the General Synod.
Conferences
170 A Conference elects officers and elects or appoints such committees as it deems necessary for the transaction of its business and the correlation of its work with that of the General Synod.
171 A Conference employs such salaried personnel as its program may require.
172 A Conference receives and acts upon business, requests, counsel, and references from Local Churches, Associations, the General Synod, and other bodies.
173 A Conference provides names to the General Synod Nominating Committee as requested.
174 A Conference may petition and overture the General Synod.
175 A Conference chooses delegates and alternate delegates to the General Synod in accordance with the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and these Bylaws.
176 A Conference receives from the Local Churches contributions for Our Church’s Wider Mission and keeps detailed record of the same.
177 A Conference consults on a regular basis with the General Minister and President, or his or her designee, acting on behalf of the General Synod, to reach mutual agreement upon the percentage, or the dollar amount, of the undesignated gifts for Our Church’s Wider Mission to be retained for its own support.
178 Upon the basis of the agreed upon percentage, or dollar amount, the Conference each month retains the amount necessary for its own support and forwards the balance to the treasury office of the national setting.
179 A Conference, in the interest of the Local Churches, discharges those duties and provides those services which will strengthen the witness of the United Church of Christ, such as:
a) Coordinating the work and witness of the Local Churches and Associations;
b) Rendering counsel to Local Churches and ministers in situations calling for help beyond their own resources;
c) Rendering an advisory service to Local Churches and to ministers with reference to pastoral placement;
d) Establishing and maintaining Conference offices, Conference centers, institutions, and other agencies needful to its growth and welfare;
e) Sponsoring in-service training for ministers; and
f) Conducting conferences, retreats, clinics, and workshops.
180 A Conference maintains ecumenical and interfaith relations within its boundaries with other Christian fellowships to the end that mutual understanding and cooperation may be advanced.
ARTICLE III. GENERAL SYNOD
Meetings of the General Synod
181 Regular meetings of the General Synod shall be held biennially.
182 Special meetings of the General Synod may be called by resolution of the General Synod, by the United Church of Christ Board, or upon receipt of a petition from at least seven Conferences. A special meeting so petitioned shall be convened not earlier than sixty days nor later than one hundred and twenty days after the petition is received by the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. The petition and the call for a special meeting shall contain a statement of the purpose of the meeting. In any special meeting only such business may be transacted as is specified in the call.
183 The time and place of all meetings of the General Synod shall be determined by the United Church of Christ Board unless otherwise directed by the General Synod.
184 The call for any meeting of the General Synod shall be signed by the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Such call shall be issued at least six months prior to a regular meeting and at least forty-five days prior to a special meeting of the General Synod. All calls shall be sent to the Conferences and the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries, and notice of these calls shall be transmitted to the Local Churches.
185 All proceedings of the General Synod shall, unless otherwise provided for, be governed by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, as amended.
186 Expenses of General Synod delegates, including travel expenses for meetings of the General Synod, shall be the responsibility of the sending groups, except expenses of Conference voting delegates as negotiated with the Conferences shall be borne by the General Synod.
Membership of the General Synod
187 The membership of the General Synod shall consist of voting delegates and associate delegates. Visitors shall be welcome.
188 Voting Delegates Voting delegates shall consist of Conference delegates, all members of the United Church of Christ Board, delegates named by the Historically Underrepresented Groups, and the Officers of the United Church of Christ, as these are hereinafter defined. Each voting delegate to General Synod shall be entitled to a single vote at the General Synod.
189 Conference Delegates The number of Conference delegates shall be allocated to each Conference by the United Church of Christ Board on the basis of the number of persons who have membership in the Local Churches of the Conference. There shall not, however, be fewer than three delegates allocated to any Conference. The total number of Conference delegates in any biennium shall not be fewer than 675 nor more than 725. Delegates and alternate delegates shall be chosen by each Conference from among its authorized ministers in full standing and persons with ordained ministerial partner standing and the members of its Local Churches. Conferences may initiate and consider nominations from the Associations. From each Conference, except in Conferences having three delegates, (a) lay persons shall constitute at least fifty percent of the delegates and (b) the delegation shall reflect the United Church of Christ’s commitment to affirmative action; it shall be representative of racial and ethnic persons (Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders), women and youth and young adults (at least twenty percent of each delegation shall be under 30 years of age at the time of the commencing of their terms, and where possible, be represented equally by (1) youth, persons of high school age; and (2) young adults, persons graduated from high school or over 19 years of age). In Conferences with three delegates the above requirements for representation are recommended but shall not be mandatory. Despite any lack of exact compliance with these requirements, actions of a General Synod which is constituted in substantial compliance with these representation requirements, as determined by the United Church of Christ Board, shall be valid.
190 The term of Conference delegates, other than any elected to fill unexpired terms, shall begin at the opening of the next regular meeting of the General Synod following their election and shall continue for a period of four years, terminating at the opening of the third regular meeting of the General Synod following such election; provided, however, that each Conference delegation shall be divided into two classes with terms expiring in alternate bienniums. When the number in one class from a given Conference exceeds the number in the other class by more than one, the Conference shall at the earliest possible opportunity make use of a two-year term for one delegate or fill any delegate vacancy that may occur in such a way as to equalize the two classes. No delegate who has served a second consecutive four-year term shall again be elected until after at least two years have elapsed. Delegates shall be members of all regular and special meetings of the General Synod which are held during their term of office unless they have become separated from the Conference which elected them.
191 United Church of Christ Board Delegates The members of the United Church of Christ Board shall be voting delegates at the General Synod, and their term shall be concurrent with their terms as members of the United Church of Christ Board.
192 Historically Underrepresented Groups Delegates There shall be thirty-two (32) Historically Underrepresented Groups delegates, four (4) from each of the Historically Underrepresented Groups: Council for American Indian Ministry; Council for Hispanic Ministries; Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice; Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries; United Black Christians; UCC Disabilities Ministries; Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries; and United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns. The term of Historically Underrepresented Groups delegates, other than any elected to fill unexpired terms, shall begin at the opening of the next regular meeting of the General Synod following their election and shall continue for a period of four years, terminating at the opening of the third regular meeting of the General Synod following such election. No delegate who has served a second consecutive four-year term shall again be elected until after at least two years have elapsed.
193 Officers of the Church The General Minister and President, Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, and Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries shall be voting delegates at the General Synod.
194 Associate Delegates Unless otherwise serving as a voting delegate to General Synod, the chairperson of the governing body and the principal minister(s) or executive(s) of each Conference; the chairperson of each Task Force created by the General Synod not otherwise represented on the United Church of Christ Board; the chairperson of each General Synod standing committee; a representative of the Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ); and one representative of each of the seminaries of the United Church of Christ not otherwise represented, chosen by the seminary, shall be Associate Delegates, with voice but without vote.
195 Ecumenical Delegates In each biennium the United Church of Christ Board may invite a representative from each of its U.S. full communion partners as an associate delegate to the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. In addition, the United Church of Christ Board may invite a representative from up to three (3) other partner churches in the United States. These representatives shall be accorded the same privileges as Associate Delegates. Board and lodging for the Ecumenical Delegates shall be borne by the General Synod or through other appropriate financial means.
Moderators of the General Synod
196 The Moderator shall be elected by the General Synod. The office of Moderator shall be filled alternately by lay persons and authorized ministers or persons with ordained ministerial partner standing. The Moderator shall take office upon the adjournment of the regular meeting at which he or she is elected and shall hold office through the next regular meeting or until a successor has been qualified and installed.
197 The Moderator shall preside at the sessions of the General Synod.
198 There shall be elected an Assistant Moderator of the General Synod to assist the Moderator in presiding at sessions of the General Synod. The Assistant Moderator shall take office upon adjournment of the regular meeting at which he or she was elected and shall hold office through the next regular meeting. The Assistant Moderator will be eligible for nomination and election to the position of Moderator, upon completion of the term of Assistant Moderator.
199 The Moderator and Assistant Moderator shall include an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and a layperson, and shall reflect the diversity to which the United Church of Christ is committed.
Committees of the General Synod
200 The General Synod shall have such Committees as it may deem necessary, including but not limited to those named hereafter.
201 Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee shall consist of 16 members elected by the General Synod as follows:
a) Ten members will be elected from a pool of nominees provided by the Conferences, as follows: At least nine months before each regular meeting of the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board shall invite each Conference not currently represented on the Nominating Committee to submit the name of an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and the name of a layperson for possible membership on the Nominating Committee as an at-large member. The United Church of Christ Board shall submit these names, to the General Synod. Not more than one of the at-large members of the Nominating Committee shall be from any one Conference. Notwithstanding this requirement, if a member of the Nominating Committee moves to a Conference from which there is another member of the Committee currently serving, the member moving to the Conference currently served by another member shall continue to serve as a member of the Nominating Committee until the end of the biennium. The position on the Nominating Committee held by the member who moved becomes vacant at the end of the biennium during which the above change in Conference occurs.
b) Four members will be elected from a pool of nominees provided by the following groups: the Council for American Indian Ministry; the Council for Hispanic Ministries; Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice; Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries; United Black Christians; the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns; UCC Disabilities Ministries; and the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. At least nine months before each regular meeting of the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board shall invite each of the eight groups not currently represented on the Nominating Committee to submit the names of an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and a layperson for possible membership on the Nominating Committee. The United Church of Christ Board shall submit to the General Synod for election the number of names needed to maintain four members from these groups on the Nominating Committee. Two members will be an authorized minister or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing and two members will be laypersons. The Conference affiliations of the representatives from these groups will not affect the determination of the Conference affiliation of the at-large members elected in accordance with paragraph 201a.
c) Two members will be elected from among the members of the United Church of Christ Board.
d) The diversity of the Nominating Committee shall reflect the diversity of the United Church of Christ Board, as set forth in paragraph 223.
e) A member of the Nominating Committee who has served a full term shall not be eligible for re-election until a biennium has elapsed. Terms of members shall begin at the close of the General Synod at which the members have been elected and continue to the close of the third regular General Synod after their election. The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee shall be named by the United Church of Christ Board from the members of the Nominating Committee within six months after each regular meeting of the General Synod.
202 The Nominating Committee of General Synod, prior to the call for nominations, reviews the make-up of the continuing membership of the United Church of Christ Board and determines the needed nominations. In its call for suggestions of names, the Nominating Committee will indicate the criteria consistent with the provisions of these Bylaws which will be used for filling positions on the United Church of Christ Board. Each Conference or group to be represented shall provide at least two names for each of the positions.
203 The Nominating Committee shall make all nominations for election by the General Synod for which the Constitution and Bylaws do not otherwise provide. The Nominating Committee shall consider, but not be limited to, such attributes as candidates’ leadership, a wide range of life experience and background including socio-economic, cultural competency, financial knowledge, fund raising experience, community building skills, commitment to justice, and understanding of good governance. The Nominating Committee shall maintain records of suggested nominees and their qualifications.
204 The Nominating Committee is responsible for ensuring that the membership of the United Church of Christ Board embodies the commitment of the United Church of Christ to diversity and balance, both in its overall composition and in its internal segments. In order to achieve this end, the Nominating Committee may, if necessary, approach any group submitting and/or recommending names with the request that they assist in that task by presenting additional names.
205 When selecting candidates for offices, the Nominating Committee shall consider all names submitted.
206 The Nominating Committee shall submit its report to the General Synod at least twenty-four hours before the elections are scheduled to take place, unless the General Synod, by a three-fourths vote, consents to an earlier election.
207 Credentials Committee The Credentials Committee shall consist of ten delegates to the General Synod, five of whom shall come from each of the two classes of General Synod delegates. At least three months before each regular meeting of the General Synod the United Church of Christ Board shall appoint five members from the latest class of delegates and shall designate one of the ten members of the Committee as chairperson. Terms of members shall be for four years, beginning with their appointment and terminating with the appointment of their successors. The Credentials Committee will review the composition of the Conference Delegations for compliance with the composition requirements of paragraph 189 and is empowered to request changes in membership to Conference Delegations so that said delegations and the Delegation as a Whole will be in compliance with the provisions of paragraph 189.
208 Budget Committee, Business Committee, and Committee of Reference
The Budget Committee, the Business Committee, and the Committee of Reference at each regular and special meeting of the General Synod shall be the United Church of Christ Board or persons designated by the United Church of Christ Board from its own membership. The role and scope of the Budget Committee, Business Committee and the Committee of Reference shall be determined by the United Church of Christ Board under authority of paragraphs 227-232.
Officers of the Church and of the General Synod
209 The General Synod shall call by election, from among the members of the United Church of Christ, the following Officers of the United Church of Christ who shall also be members of the Collegium of Officers, the Mission Planning Council, the United Church of Christ Board, and General Synod: General Minister and President, Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, and Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries.
210 Every Officer of the United Church of Christ serves at the will of the General Synod, and may be terminated as an Officer of the United Church of Christ by the United Church of Christ Board acting as the General Synod ad interim in accordance with the United Church of Christ Board’s procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Officer of the United Church of Christ is also the Executive Minister of a Covenanted Ministry, the United Church of Christ Board acting as the General Synod ad interim may terminate such Executive Minister as an Officer of the Church, only after consultation with the Board of Directors of such Covenanted Ministry. Responsibility for the termination of an Executive Minister as executive officer of a Covenanted Ministry rests with the Board of Directors of that Covenanted Ministry.
211 The term of each Officer of the United Church of Christ shall be four years, not to exceed three terms, and shall commence within ninety days following call by election by the General Synod. Officers shall hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified and have assumed the duties of their office. Officers may be reelected, but not more than twice, in accordance with the rules and procedures of their respective Covenanted Ministries, subject to the call by election of the General Synod.
General Minister and President
212 The General Minister and President, who shall be an Ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing, is called to ministry in and on behalf of the United Church of Christ upon election by the General Synod.
a) Spiritual Leader of the Church:
The General Minister and President is the spiritual leader and pastor of the Church, charged with the care and nurture of the spiritual life of the Church. The General Minister and President is responsible for the unity and well-being of the Church, and for nurturing its covenantal life and ecumenical and interfaith relationships, and facilitating the visioning, planning, coordination and implementation of the total mission of the United Church of Christ.
b) Theological Interpreter:
The General Minister and President is the principal leader in interpreting the theological perspectives and values of the United Church of Christ as guided by the General Synod and in consultation with the Collegium. The General Minister and President is the chief representative of the United Church of Christ in the public square and at ecumenical, interdenominational and interfaith tables.
c) Convener:
The General Minister and President will convene and preside at the meetings of the Collegium. She or he is responsible for coordinated communication, fund raising and planning in collaboration with the Executive Ministers. She or he is a member of the Mission Planning Council.
d) Chief Executive Officer:
The General Minister and President is the Chief Executive Officer of the General Synod and is its principal spokesperson. The General Minister and President serves as the corporate President of the United Church of Christ Board, each of the Covenanted Ministries, the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, and all other corporations related to the Covenanted Ministries. The General Minister and President oversees the administration of the national setting offices.
The General Minister and President serves as an ex-officio member of the United Church of Christ Board and accordingly as a member of the Board of Directors of each Covenanted Ministry. The General Minister and President serves as an ex-officio member in all meetings of the Affiliated and Associated Ministries. The General Minister and President shall serve as an ex-officio member, with voice, but not vote, in the meetings of all Commissions, Councils, and Committees of the United Church of Christ, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ; except that he or she shall not participate in the work of the Search Committee for the General Minister and President. The General Minister and President shall be the official representative of the Church in ecumenical, interdenominational, and interfaith relations. The General Minister and President may appoint a representative for such occasions as he or she deems advisable.
213 The General Minister and President is accountable to the General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board, acting as General Synod ad interim.
214 The candidate for the position of General Minister and President is nominated for an initial term by a search committee of the United Church of Christ, broadly representative of the Church, and appointed by the United Church of Christ Board. The search committee includes one Executive Minister of a Covenanted Ministry selected by the Collegium of Officers; at least one Conference Minister named by the Council of Conference Ministers; one representative of the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries to be selected from the COREM members on the United Church of Christ Board each with voice and vote. At least one member shall be a youth or young adult. The affirmative action commitment of the Church is to be fully respected in the search process and diversity maintained in the membership of the Collegium of Officers. The candidate chosen by the search committee is confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the United Church of Christ Board before his or her name is placed before the General Synod. Only one nominee may be presented for election, and nominations may not be made from the floor. An affirmative vote of at least sixty percent of the General Synod is necessary for election and call. The General Minister and President does not participate in the work of the search committee choosing a successor. She or he is evaluated regularly through a process approved by the United Church of Christ Board. The evaluation process includes an Executive Minister of a Covenanted Ministry on a rotating basis. In the event that the General Minister and President is unable to discharge the responsibilities of that Office, or if there is a vacancy in that Office, the United Church of Christ Board shall name one of the Executive Ministers to serve as Acting General Minister and President until the General Minister and President returns to service or is replaced by a successor elected by the General Synod after a search process.
Executive Ministers of Justice and Witness Ministries, Local Church Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries.
215 Each Executive Minister is the principal minister and chief executive officer of one of the Covenanted Ministries and is responsible for guiding and leading that Ministry’s activities under the direction of its Board of Directors and as may be prescribed in the articles of incorporation, rules, and bylaws of that Covenanted Ministry. The Executive Minister may be a lay person, an authorized minister, or a person with ordained ministerial partner standing. Each Executive Minister serves as an ex-officio member of the United Church of Christ Board and accordingly as a member of the Board of Directors of each Covenanted Ministry.
216 Each Executive Minister will oversee the programmatic work of a Covenanted Ministry, which shall be carried out in accordance with the policies, planning, and broad oversight of the United Church of Christ Board as provided in these Bylaws. With the General Minister and President, each Executive Minister will be involved in the overall functions of the national setting, including visioning and planning, communications, development and management of budgets, development and leadership of staff, and implementation of policies adopted by the General Synod and the United Church of Christ Board.
217 Each Executive Minister will be accountable to the General Synod through the United Church of Christ Board. Each Executive Minister serves at the will of the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry to which she or he is accountable and may be terminated as an Executive Minister by that body in accordance with its procedures after consultation with the United Church of Christ Board, acting as General Synod ad interim.
218 As an Officer of the Church, each Executive Minister is a member of the Collegium of Officers and the Mission Planning Council.
219 Each Executive Minister is to be nominated for an initial term by a search committee of the United Church of Christ broadly representative of the Church, appointed by and from the Board of Directors of the Covenanted Ministry to which she or he is accountable. The search committee shall include the General Minister and President; one Conference Minister, named by the Council of Conference Ministers; and one representative of the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries to be selected from the COREM members on the Board of Directors, each with voice and vote. At least one member shall be a youth or young adult. The affirmative action commitment of the Church is to be fully respected in the search process and diversity maintained in the membership of the Collegium of Officers. The candidate chosen by the search committee is to be confirmed by a two-thirds vote of the appropriate Board of Directors before his or her name is placed in nomination before the General Synod. Only one nominee may be presented for election, and nominations may not be made from the floor. An affirmative vote of at least sixty percent of the General Synod is necessary for the call by election. An Executive Minister does not participate in the work of the search committee choosing a successor. The Executive Minister is evaluated regularly by a process approved by the appropriate Board of Directors. The evaluation process shall include the General Minister and President, with voice and vote. Terms of office shall begin within ninety days following their election. An Executive Minister shall hold office until her or his successor has been elected and qualified and has assumed the duties of the Office.
220 In the event that an Executive Minister is unable to discharge the responsibilities of that position, or if there is a vacancy in the office, the Board of Directors of that Covenanted Ministry, in consultation with the General Minister and President, shall appoint an Acting Executive Minister according to the rules and procedures of each Covenanted Ministry. Said Board of Directors shall recommend its Acting Executive Minister to the United Church of Christ Board acting as General Synod ad interim for appointment as an Acting Officer of the Church. An Acting Executive Minister shall serve until the Executive Minister returns to service, or is replaced by a successor called by election by the General Synod.
United Church of Christ Board
221 The United Church of Christ Board continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies, and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 57 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation.
222 The United Church of Christ Board shall consist of fifty-two (52) members elected by the General Synod. Thirty-six (36) members shall serve in at-large positions and sixteen (16) members shall be ex-officio members with voice and vote. The composition of the United Church of Christ Board shall embody the commitment of the United Church of Christ to be a multicultural and multiracial Church, reflecting the racial and ethnic diversity of society with a balance of leadership between women and men, open and accessible to all. All members of the United Church of Christ Board shall be voting members, except as legally proscribed and noted below.
223 The thirty-six at-large members, nominated by the General Synod Nominating Committee, and elected by the General Synod as members of the United Church of Christ Board, shall reflect the following composition:
• Fifty percent (50%) or more shall be persons of color.
• Fifty percent (50%) or more shall be women.
• One third (1/3) shall be authorized ministers or persons with ordained ministerial partner standing.
• One third (1/3) shall be laymen.
• One third (1/3) shall be laywomen.
• Twenty percent (20%) shall be under thirty (30) years of age at the time of election.
To the extent possible, the under 30 years of age members shall include both youth of high school age and young adults. All such members shall be voting members except as legally proscribed.
• At least one (1) member shall be a person who self-identifies as having a disability.
• At least one (1) member shall be a person who self-identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
a) At-large members shall serve one term of six years, which shall commence at the close of the General Synod at which the person is elected and qualified and shall terminate at the close of the General Synod in which a successor is elected and qualified. At-large members shall be divided into three classes of twelve members each, with a class of twelve members being elected at each General Synod. No at-large member who has served more than one-half of a full term shall be nominated to serve again until at least two years have elapsed. Nominations for the at-large positions shall be solicited from all entities and organizations within the United Church of Christ. There shall not be more than three at-large members from any one Conference at the time of an individual’s election.
b) In the initial election of at-large members by the Twenty-ninth General Synod, twelve (12) at-large members shall be elected for a term of two (2) years, to include two (2) members to be elected from among the last serving members prior to the Twenty-ninth General Synod of the Executive Council and each of the Boards of Directors of Office of General Ministries, Local Church Ministries, Wider Church Ministries, and Justice and Witness Ministries, and two (2) members to be elected from among the Historically Under-Represented Groups. Twelve (12) at-large members shall be elected for one term of four (4) years, and twelve (12) at-large members shall be elected for one term of six (6) years.
c) The General Synod Nominating Committee nominates these persons after submission of names, according to the procedures established in ¶202–206 of these Bylaws, and criteria determined by the Nominating Committee. In order to fulfill its responsibilities to ensure that the membership of the United Church of Christ Board reflects the diversity to which the United Church of Christ is committed, the Nominating Committee may ask for additional names to be submitted.
224 Ex-Officio members of the United Church of Christ Board with voice and vote, affirmed by vote of the General Synod, shall include:
a) The Officers of the United Church of Christ.
b) The Moderator and the Assistant Moderator of the General Synod.
c) One member designated by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to serve a term of two years. Any such member shall be eligible to serve up to two additional terms and not to exceed three terms.
d) Six (6) principal ministers of Conferences, one to be elected from each Region by the Council of Conference Ministers for a term of two years, not to exceed two consecutive terms. If any such member ceases during his or her term of office on the United Church of Christ Board to be the principal minister of a Conference within the Region from which said member was elected, a vacancy shall be thereby created to be filled by election by the Council of Conference Ministers.
e) The Executive of the United Church Funds, Inc.
f) The Executive of The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ
g) The Executive of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries
225 Although members of the United Church of Christ Board may be nominated or selected by particular groups, each member serves on behalf of, and bears responsibility for, the well-being of the whole Church.
226 The United Church of Christ Board shall elect, from its members who are elected by General Synod, a chairperson and a vice-chairperson according to its own Standing Rules.
Responsibilities of the United Church of Christ Board
227 The United Church of Christ Board shall act for the General Synod ad interim, and, in cooperation with the Collegium of Officers, shall provide coordination and evaluation of the work of the Church and shall carry out such other responsibilities as may be from time to time delegated to it by the General Synod or as provided for in these Bylaws or the Constitution.
a) The United Church of Christ Board shall be responsible for strategic planning and policymaking. The Ministry Committees and the Committees of the United Church of Christ Board shall make recommendations to the members of the United Church of Christ Board for strategic planning, policymaking and oversight purposes. Under the leadership of the Executive Ministers, the United Church of Christ Board’s Ministry Committees shall make recommendations to the members of the United Church of Christ Board regarding the programmatic work of the Covenanted Ministries. As provided in paragraph 243e, the United Church of Christ Board shall receive recommendations regarding the annual draw rate on invested funds that may be used to carry out the mission entrusted to the Covenanted Ministries. As provided in paragraph 243e, recommendations as to the annual draw rate and as to the allocation of the annual dollar amounts resulting from the application of the annual draw rate to each of the restricted endowment funds and to each of the historic donor intended uses of each of the unrestricted endowment funds referred to in paragraph 243f shall not be modified by the United Church of Christ Board except upon two affirmative votes, each of not less than eighty five percent (85%) of the members present of the full Board at one or more meetings of the full Board with not less than twelve (12) hours between the two affirmative votes in order to ensure adequate discernment by the full Board.
b) The United Church of Christ Board is responsible for policies relating to the mission of the United Church of Christ in its national setting. It shall support the on-going work of the General Synod through its various ministries, planning for and encouraging cooperation among those ministries, with Local Churches, Associations, and Conferences, and with other expressions of the Church which contribute to and embody God’s mission in Jesus Christ. It shall support the spiritual and financial health of the Church, and shall ensure the presence and implementation of policies which contribute to the health of the Covenanted Ministries in relationship with one another and their accountability to General Synod. It shall receive reports from the Collegium of Officers and provide oversight and support for the work of that body. It shall facilitate the business of General Synod and assume such other tasks as may be assigned to it by the General Synod. It shall be a focal point for decision-making, overall planning and evaluation, and budgeting in the national setting. It shall receive and report upon divergent points of view and maintain an open channel for the consideration of minority or dissenting opinion. It shall submit a report of its work to the General Synod at each regular meeting. In cooperation with the Covenanted, Affiliated, and Associated Ministries it shall make an annual informational report to the Local Churches and the Conferences about the total program of the Church in the national setting.
228 Vacancies occurring in offices, commissions, or committees of the General Synod, or in the membership of the United Church of Christ Board, shall, unless otherwise provided, be filled by the United Church of Christ Board acting as the General Synod ad interim, such actions to be reported to the next General Synod.
229 The United Church of Christ Board shall make such elections, nominations or appointments as these Bylaws or action of the General Synod may require.
230 Acting as the Budget Committee for the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board shall determine the allocation of funds from Our Church’s Wider Mission. The United Church of Christ Board, acting as the Budget Committee, shall also receive and review the past and projected use of OCWM funds allocated to each Covenanted Ministry and recommend the OCWM threshold amount for the biennium.
231 The United Church of Christ Board shall be an incorporated body in order to ensure that it may effectively and expeditiously perform all legal functions of the General Synod and all of its other functions as provided for in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. The membership of the Corporation shall consist of those persons described in paragraphs 222-224 of the Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, who shall be elected or affirmed in the manner therein provided and who shall have the right to vote only to the extent granted by such paragraphs. Those members shall also be the Directors of the Corporation. The Corporation shall have such officers as required by law and as provided in these Bylaws. The Corporation may adopt for its government and the management of its affairs bylaws and rules not inconsistent with its Articles of Incorporation nor with the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules and regulations of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ.
232 The United Church of Christ Board shall serve as the Business Committee and Committee of Reference of the General Synod during its sessions, and as such shall prepare the agenda and schedule for all meetings of the General Synod, recommend changes therein during sessions, and appoint committees not otherwise provided.
Administration of the National Setting Offices
233 The General Minister and President shall oversee the administration of the national setting offices. The General Minister and President is responsible for selecting a Chief Administrative Officer and a Chief Financial Officer in consultation with the Collegium. Both the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chief Financial Officer shall report directly to the General Minister and President, who is accountable to the United Church of Christ Board.
234 The Chief Administrative Officer will have day-to-day responsibility for the overall administrative work of the national setting offices. The Chief Administrative Officer shall serve as the corporate Secretary of the United Church of Christ Board, each of the Covenanted Ministries, the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, and all other corporations within the national setting.
235 The Chief Financial Officer will oversee the financial functions of the national setting offices. The Chief Financial Officer shall serve as the corporate Treasurer of the United Church of Christ Board, each of the Covenanted Ministries, the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, and all other corporations related to the Covenanted Ministries. The customary responsibilities and functions of a corporate secretary and treasurer of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ shall be assigned to the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, respectively.
Ministry Committees
236 The United Church of Christ Board membership shall divide itself into three Ministry Committees: Local Church, Justice and Witness, and Wider Church. Each Ministry Committee shall make recommendations to the members of the United Church of Christ Board regarding the program functions of the Covenanted Ministry for which it is named. The Ministry Committees will honor the diversity of commitments of the United Church of Christ and work in covenant with each other. To the extent possible while still maintaining diversity and expertise needed on the Ministry Committees, each United Church of Christ Board member will be assigned to a Ministry Committee based on that individual’s experience, expertise, personal passion and spiritual calling. For the Wider Church Ministry Committee, individuals also will be considered based on the role that they may serve as members of the Common Global Ministries Board, the mission partnership between the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The composition of each Ministry Committee shall embody the commitment of the United Church of Christ to a multicultural and multiracial Church, with a balance of leadership between women and men, open and accessible to all. Each Ministry Committee will elect a chairperson and a vice-chairperson, subject to the requirement that at least one of these positions must be held by a person of color in each Ministry Committee.
Committees of the United Church of Christ Board
237 The United Church of Christ Board shall have such other Committees as it may deem necessary, including but not limited to those named hereafter, and each may draw on expertise beyond the Board if necessary.
Executive Committee
238 The Executive Committee shall consist of twelve (12) members of the United Church of Christ Board, as follows:
a) Chairperson and vice-chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board
b) One representative from each of the three Ministry Committees of the United Church of Christ Board
c) The Officers of the United Church of Christ
d) One Conference Minister
e) One member of the Finance and Budget Committee
f) One additional member
239 The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility to ensure that visioning and strategic planning be done on behalf of the national setting of the Church. It will lead the United Church of Christ Board in developing and articulating comprehensive and integrated strategies and goals for the national setting. The Executive Committee will facilitate the United Church of Christ Board’s identification of concerns and ideas related to communications, identity, fundraising, fund development, strategic planning, evangelism, and other critical issues for the life of the whole Church. The decision-making power and authority of the Executive Committee shall be governed by the standing rules of the United Church of Christ Board.
Finance and Budget Committee
240 The Finance and Budget Committee shall consist of up to twelve (12) members of the United Church of Christ Board, including:
a) Chairperson or vice-chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board
b) Two representatives with financial expertise from each of the Ministry Committees of the United Church of Christ Board
c) General Minister and President
241 The duties and responsibilities of the Committee include:
a) Reviewing the annual available resources and being responsible for financial planning.
b) Reviewing the proposed Annual Budget recommended by the Collegium in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and other key staff and mission partners, such as Common Global Ministries.
c) Recommending the Annual Budget to the United Church of Christ Board.
d) Receiving and reviewing regular financial reports.
Investment and Endowment Committee
242 The Investment and Endowment Committee shall consist of up to fourteen (14) members and shall be members of the United Church of Christ Board (except as noted below), including:
a) Two (2) representatives from each of the Ministry Committees of the United Church of Christ Board, selected by each Committee
b) The Officers of the United Church of Christ
c) The Executive of the United Church Funds, Inc., with voice but without vote
d) The United Church of Christ Board, by vote of its membership, may add up to three individuals with legal and/or investment expertise who are not members of the United Church of Christ Board but are members of the United Church of Christ.
243 The duties and responsibilities of the Committee include:
a) Assuring that the legacy/historic restrictions on the use of restricted funds and the intended use restrictions of the unrestricted funds of each of the historic ministries are monitored, accounted for, maintained and reported to the United Church of Christ Board annually. The Committee shall monitor and oversee the allocation of both restricted and unrestricted funds to ensure that they will be allocated based on donor intent, whenever that can be determined and to provide the full Board an overview of all funds in order to encourage the most effective collaborative and holistic use of those funds to meet the missional needs of the Church.
b) Recommending to the United Church of Christ Board investment policies including investment screens that reflect the commitment of the United Church of Christ to corporate social responsibility.
c) Managing the investment of the endowed funds and other assets including real property in accordance with investment policies approved by the United Church of Christ Board.
d) Monitoring and reporting on the management of invested funds to the United Church of Christ Board.
e) Recommending to the United Church of Christ Board the annual draw rate on invested funds that may be used to carry out the mission entrusted to the Covenanted Ministries. Recommendations as to the annual draw rate and as to the allocation of the annual dollar amounts resulting from the application of the annual draw rate to each of the restricted endowment funds and to each of the historic donor intended uses of each of the unrestricted endowment funds referred to in paragraph 243f shall not be modified by the United Church of Christ Board except upon two affirmative votes, each of not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the members present of the full Board at one or more meetings of the full Board with not less than twelve (12) hours between the two affirmative votes in order to ensure adequate discernment by the full Board.
f) Reviewing, monitoring and recommending to the United Church of Christ Board the allocation of the annual dollar amounts resulting from the application of the spending rate to each of the restricted endowment funds and to each of the historic donor intended uses of each of the unrestricted endowment funds.
g) Providing Board representation to the Investment Committee of the United Church Funds, Inc.
Audit Committee
244 The Audit Committee shall consist of such members as determined by the United Church of Christ Board, provided that members of the Board must comprise a majority of the members of the Audit Committee. The United Church of Christ Board, by vote of its membership, may include on the Audit Committee individuals with legal and/or financial expertise who are not members of the United Church of Christ Board but are members of the United Church of Christ. All Committee members shall be voting members.
245 The duties and responsibilities of the Committee include:
a) Selecting the audit firm to perform the annual financial audit.
b) Receiving and reviewing the audit report from the auditors and reporting to the United Church of Christ Board.
246 Regions. The United Church of Christ Board shall make an appropriate assignment of the several Conferences into Regions. The Regions as thus determined shall form the basis for Conference representation on national bodies wherever required by the Bylaws.
Organization of the United Church of Christ Board
247 The United Church of Christ Board shall organize itself as it deems necessary to carry out its responsibilities and fulfill its mandates.
Advisory Commissions
248 The United Church of Christ Board may provide for special advisory commissions on subjects of pervasive interest to the entire Church on which the United Church of Christ Board and/or the General Minister and President need policy or substantive advice. Members of such commissions shall be appointed by the United Church of Christ Board and shall include at least one member of the United Church of Christ Board. The chairperson shall be designated by the chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board.
249 Common Services In covenant with the Covenanted Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board, through and by the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, shall provide for common services, including, but not limited to, common treasury services, accounting services, personnel services, logistical services, information services and office support services. It shall also provide for a common salary program and shall provide common personnel policies.
250 Each Covenanted Ministry shall use the aforementioned common services, program and policies whenever legally permissible and otherwise appropriate, all as determined by its own Board of Directors.
251 A nonprofit corporation shall be formed for the purpose of providing the above-described common services. The corporation, to be named the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ, shall be governed by its articles of incorporation, rules, and bylaws, and the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. The General Minister and President shall be the principal executive and the Chief Administrative Officer shall be the operational executive of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ. The number of directors of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be nine, consisting of:
i. Two representatives of, and selected by, Local Church Ministries;
ii. Two representatives of, and selected by, Justice and Witness Ministries;
iii. Two representatives of, and selected by, Wider Church Ministries;
iv. General Minister and President;
v. Chief Administrative Officer; and
vi. Chief Financial Officer
The directors of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be the members of the corporation. The Board of Directors shall appoint such committees, with such responsibilities, as it deems necessary to carry out its work. The corporate officers of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be the following:
(i) General Minister and President, who as President of this corporation shall be accountable to the Board of Directors;
(ii) Chief Administrative Officer, who as Secretary of this corporation shall report to the General Minister and President;
(iii) Chief Financial Officer, who as Treasurer of this corporation shall report to the General Minister and President.
252 Policy decisions related to the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Common Services Corporation of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE IV. ORGANIZATION
253 The work of the United Church of Christ and its General Synod shall be carried out by the United Church of Christ Board, the Covenanted, Affiliated, Associated Ministries, Councils, and other such bodies as may from time to time be created by, or related to, the General Synod or the United Church of Christ Board.
COVENANTED MINISTRIES
254 The Covenanted Ministries are Local Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries.
LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRIES
255 Purpose and Mission The purpose and mission of Local Church Ministries shall be to encourage and support the Local Churches of the United Church of Christ in the fulfillment of God’s mission. It continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies, and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 65 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation. The program, administrative, and financial development functions of Local Church Ministries shall be carried out in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board. Through its Local Church Ministry Committee working with the Executive Minister and its Committees, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee these functions, which will be coordinated and implemented by staff assigned by the Collegium. Local Church Ministries shall retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and shall have sole authority to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property.
256 In overseeing the purpose and mission of Local Church Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board shall encourage local churches to shape their life and mission in partnership with one another, with other expressions of the Church, and with ecumenical and interfaith communities. The United Church of Christ Board will work to promote the vocation of all members, leadership of laity and clergy, and facilitate a system of placement. The United Church of Christ Board will nurture stewards, and will coordinate and promote denomination-wide mission funding. The United Church of Christ Board will work with local churches in striving for the vitality of local churches as inclusive and accessible communities of mission, evangelism, church development, education, unity, worship, nurture, and justice so that the good news of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed in word and deed.
257 The United Church of Christ Board shall work in interactive partnership with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the Church.
258 Governance and Leadership Pursuant to paragraphs 58–63 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, Local Church Ministries shall be incorporated and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the members of the United Church of Christ Board. Its executive officer shall be an Executive Minister, who is also an Officer of the Church, called by election of the General Synod. It shall act pursuant to the provisions as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, its own articles of incorporation and bylaws, and by the rules of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Local Church Ministries performs the functions normally associated with boards of directors, and such additional tasks necessary to carry out its purposes and mandates, including the formation of associated auxiliary corporations. Pursuant to paragraph 60 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, it has legal corporate status for the purpose of holding, receiving, and managing unrestricted, restricted, and designated allocated funds, and funds donated to it from all sources. It is responsible for its articles of incorporation and required corporate documents, and establishes its own rules and bylaws. It has responsibility for organizing its ministries in order to carry out its mandates, for providing necessary staffing, and for determining the manner and site(s) of its office(s). The Board of Directors may grant authority to sub-units, ministry teams, or other appropriate entities, to speak and act on its behalf within its own broad policy statements and those of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Board of Directors may form task groups representing a variety of groups of the Church necessary for implementing its mission.
259 Members of the Board of Directors of Local Church Ministries serve on behalf of the whole Church.
JUSTICE AND WITNESS MINISTRIES
260 Purpose and Mission The purpose and mission of Justice and Witness Ministries shall be to enable and encourage Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the United Church of Christ to engage in God’s mission globally by direct action for the integrity of creation, justice, and peace. It continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies, and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 66 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation. The program, administrative, and financial development functions of Justice and Witness Ministries shall be carried out in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board. Through its Justice and Witness Ministry Committee working with the Executive Minister and its Committees, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee these functions, which will be coordinated and implemented by staff assigned by the Collegium. Justice and Witness Ministries shall retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and shall have sole authority to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property.
261 In overseeing the purpose and mission of Justice and Witness Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board shall encourage the Church in all of its expressions to speak prophetically on matters of justice, power, and public policy. The United Church of Christ Board shall assist the Church in all of its expressions to confront racism, sexism, ageism, classism, and other expressions of injustice and alienation in the Church and in the society. The United Church of Christ Board shall provide support for the Church’s ministry of service on behalf of those who are poor, the forgotten and the oppressed, and for those marginalized by stigma and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or their disabilities, including mental illness. The United Church of Christ Board may provide public witness on behalf of the justice and witness policies of the General Synod.
262 The United Church of Christ Board shall work in interactive partnership with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, national expressions of the Church, and with ecumenical and interfaith groups, and community organizations.
263 Governance and Leadership Pursuant to paragraphs 58–63 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries shall be incorporated and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the members of the United Church of Christ Board. Its executive officer shall be an Executive Minister, who is also an Officer of the Church, called by election of the General Synod. It shall act pursuant to the provisions as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, its own articles of incorporation and bylaws, and by the rules of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Justice and Witness Ministries performs the functions normally associated with boards of directors, and such additional tasks necessary to carry out its purposes and mandates, including the formation of associated auxiliary corporations. Pursuant to paragraph 60 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, it has legal corporate status for the purpose of holding, receiving, and managing unrestricted, restricted, and designated allocated funds, and funds donated to it from all sources. It is responsible for its articles of incorporation and required corporate documents, and establishes its own rules and bylaws. It has responsibility for organizing its ministries in order to carry out its mandates, for providing necessary staffing, and for determining the manner and site(s) of its office(s).The Board of Directors may grant authority to sub-units, ministry teams, or other appropriate entities, to speak and act on its behalf within its own broad policy statements and those of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Board of Directors may form task groups representing a variety of groups of the Church necessary for implementing its mission.
264 Members of the Board of Directors of Justice and Witness Ministries serve on behalf of the whole Church.
WIDER CHURCH MINISTRIES
265 Purpose and Mission The purpose and mission of Wider Church Ministries shall be to encourage and support Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the United Church of Christ to participate in the global, multiracial, multicultural church, accessible to all, and to support United Church of Christ ministries around the world and the nation. It continues the work of, and acts as agent for, predecessor bodies and continues other ministries, as specified in paragraph 67 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ and as described in its articles of incorporation. The program, administrative, and financial development functions of Wider Church Ministries shall be carried out in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board. Through its Wider Church Ministry Committee working with the Executive Minister and its Committees, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee these functions, which will be coordinated and implemented by staff assigned by the Collegium. Wider Church Ministries shall retain responsibility for all legacies and other property received, maintained or held by it, and shall have sole authority to approve any use, expenditure or disposal of its legacies or other property.
266 In overseeing the purpose and mission of Wider Church Ministries, the United Church of Christ Board shall strengthen relationships with partner churches and oversee participation in the Common Global Ministries Board in joint venture with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The United Church of Christ Board shall provide support for institutional ministries in health care, education, disaster relief, and social services in the United States and internationally. It shall also coordinate volunteer ministries in all expressions of the Church. In cooperation with partner churches it shall promote interfaith dialogue and global education and advocacy issues. Through the Common Global Ministries Board, the United Church of Christ Board shall oversee the sending and receiving of missionaries.
267 The United Church of Christ Board shall work in interactive partnership with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, and national expressions of the Church and of the ecumenical and interfaith bodies.
268 Governance and Leadership Pursuant to paragraphs 58–63 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, Wider Church Ministries shall be incorporated and governed by a Board of Directors comprised of the members of the United Church of Christ Board. Its executive officer shall be an Executive Minister, who is also an Officer of the Church, called by election of the General Synod. It shall act pursuant to the provisions as defined in the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, its own articles of incorporation and bylaws, and by the rules of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Wider Church Ministries performs the functions normally associated with boards of directors, and such additional tasks necessary to carry out its purposes and mandates, including the formation of associated auxiliary corporations. Pursuant to paragraph 60 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, it has legal corporate status for the purpose of holding, receiving, and managing unrestricted, restricted, and designated allocated funds, and funds donated to it from all sources. It is responsible for its articles of incorporation and required corporate documents, and establishes its own rules and bylaws. It has responsibility for organizing its ministries in order to carry out its mandates, for providing necessary staffing, and for determining the manner and site(s) of its office(s).The Board of Directors may grant authority to sub-units, ministry teams, or other appropriate entities, to speak and act on its behalf within its own broad policy statements and those of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Board of Directors may form task groups representing a variety of groups of the Church necessary for implementing its mission.
269 Members of the Board of Directors of Wider Church Ministries serve on behalf of the whole Church.
COLLEGIUM OF OFFICERS
270 The Collegium of Officers, defined in Article IV of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, supports and consults with the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted Ministries in carrying out their work in a spirit of coordination and cooperation. It is responsible for providing leadership for mission programming in the United Church of Christ and for the proper implementation of General Synod actions. Composed of the Officers of the United Church of Christ meeting as peers, the Collegium of Officers provides a setting for mutual accountability, mutual reporting, and for assessing the on-going programs of the United Church of Christ. The Collegium of Officers coordinates research, long-range planning, and program evaluation. It meets regularly with the Cabinet of the Council of Conference Ministers.
271 The Collegium of Officers is convened by the General Minister and President as the presiding officer and consults with the United Church of Christ Board and the General Synod. It shall consult regularly with the leaders of the Affiliated and Associated Ministries of the United Church of Christ.
MISSION PLANNING COUNCIL
272 The Mission Planning Council provides a multi-missional setting which brings together the Officers of the United Church of Christ, and principal staff of the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted, Associated, and Affiliated Ministries of the United Church of Christ, for planning coordinated ministries and for visioning and exploring new perspectives over a wide range of mission, theological, ecumenical, spiritual, stewardship, financial, justice, communications, gender, disability, and racial issues and concerns. The Mission Planning Council is responsible for the coordination and correlation of mission and purpose and for maintaining mutual trust, mutual accountability, and the wise use of leadership and talents. It is designed to encourage cooperation and sharing of talents among the Ministries. The Mission Planning Council may invite others to participate, including representatives of Conferences and partner churches, as it deems appropriate. The Collegium of Officers coordinates the tasks, meetings, agendas, and follow-up actions of the Mission Planning Council.
AFFILIATED MINISTRY
273 Pursuant to paragraph 68, 70 and 71 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ is an Affiliated Ministry of the United Church of Christ and serves the Church and its United Church of Christ Board and Covenanted Ministries as a separate corporation.
274 The purpose of The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ is to make available ministerial welfare activities and a system of employee benefit programs designed to assist authorized ministers and lay workers in achieving financial security during working and retirement years.
275 The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ continues as a nonprofit membership corporation which determines its own governance and leadership. The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ will have membership on the United Church of Christ Board.
ASSOCIATED MINISTRY
276 Pursuant to paragraph 69, 72 and 73 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ, the United Church Funds, Inc., is an Associated Ministry of the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ, and serves the Church, the United Church of Christ Board and the Covenanted Ministries as a separate corporation related to the United Church of Christ Board.
277 The purpose of the United Church Funds, Inc. is to provide a means by which individuals and organizations of the Church may further exercise their stewardship of resources for the sake of strengthening the mission of the Church as set forth in paragraph 72 of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ.
278 The United Church Funds, Inc. will work cooperatively with the United Church of Christ Board to facilitate comprehensive financial planning and development; and will continue its relationship with The Pension Boards–United Church of Christ. It shall have membership the United Church of Christ Board.
279 The corporate membership of the United Church Funds, Inc. shall consist of fifteen persons nominated and elected by the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ for terms of six years, one-third to be elected each biennium and to serve until their respective successors are elected and qualified. The General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ and the chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ shall be ex-officio members with vote. At least two of the members elected each biennium shall not be members of The United Church Funds, Inc. at the time of their election. The United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ may remove a member of the United Church Funds, Inc. and shall fill vacancies for unexpired terms.
Other Provisions
280 No person shall serve in more than one General Synod elected position simultaneously. Further, no employee of a Covenanted, Associated, or Affiliated Ministry shall serve as a voting member of the United Church of Christ Board, except in an ex-officio capacity, or as otherwise set forth in these Bylaws.
281 All members of the United Church of Christ Board, with the exception of the representatives from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), shall be members of the United Church of Christ.
ARTICLE V. INDEMNIFICATION
282 Any Officer of the United Church of Christ, or any member, including officers and directors, of the General Synod, the United Church of Christ Board or the Councils, Commissions, and Committees of the General Synod may, to the full extent allowed by law, be indemnified by the United Church of Christ Board against all judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement of, and against all reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, actually and necessarily, incurred in defense of any lawsuit, proceeding or prosecution (including appeal thereof) wherein such person is made a party by reason of being such officer or member to the extent such person is not otherwise indemnified by another entity. This provision shall also extend to any lawsuit, proceeding, or prosecution in which such officer or member is made a party in such person’s capacity as an officer or member of another organization in which the person serves at the request of any of the above entities or bodies.
283 In all other lawsuits, proceedings, or prosecutions, indemnity shall not be made unless the officer or member acted in good faith and for a purpose which the person reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Entity or body of which he or she is an officer or member and in criminal actions or proceedings only upon the additional requirement that the person had no reasonable cause to believe that the operative conduct or inaction was unlawful.
284 These indemnity provisions shall also operate for the benefit of anyone duly serving in a representative capacity for such member or officer.
285 The United Church of Christ Board is authorized to purchase insurance providing indemnification pursuant to the provisions of the preceding. Any such contract of insurance may afford coverage for matters as to which the United Church of Christ Board may not give indemnity.
ARTICLE VI. OTHER BODIES
The following groups are identified as related in covenant to the United Church of Christ, through a primary relationship with the United Church of Christ Board.
COUNCILS
286 Council for American Indian Ministry Created by the Eighth General Synod in 1971 (71-GS-77) and given its present mandate by the Sixteenth General Synod in 1987 (87-GS-58), the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM) is a national body with primary responsibility for providing Christian ministry and witness in American Indian settings, and is a resource to the whole United Church of Christ in understanding and supporting American Indian churches and communities. The Council for American Indian Ministry supports and gives general direction to the American Indian members and congregations of the United Church of Christ, advocating with them, through CAIM’s Recognized Unit of Ministry, to embody their own cultures and values and to be vital parts of the United Church of Christ and the Conferences in which they are located. The Council for American Indian Ministry encourages and supports the identification, enlistment, and support of American Indian candidates for authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. Working with American Indian people throughout the United Church of Christ, the Council seeks to develop broad bases of visibility, nurture and support for American Indian people, communities, and churches. The Sixteenth General Synod vote calls for CAIM to be accountable to the General Synod through the United Church of Christ Board and to be funded from one-third of the net income of the neighbors in need offering.
287 Council for Higher Education The Council for Higher Education (CHE) shall be composed of the academies, colleges, and theological schools that indicate their desire to be recognized as related to the United Church of Christ and that are accepted by the Council as conforming to its standards; and of representative(s) from the United Church of Christ Board. For purposes of business and policy making, member academies, colleges, and theological schools shall be represented by each institution’s executive head or other key officer as designated by each institution’s executive head. The Council shall organize with its own chairperson, secretary, and any other officers needed to carry on its work. All officers shall be executive heads of their institutions. The Council shall be administratively related to the General Synod through the United Church of Christ Board; this provision not precluding the Council’s right to direct access to the General Synod concerning any matters in which it may feel that its interests in program or budget require the exercise of such access. The Executive Minister of Local Church Ministries shall be an advisory member of the Council with voice but without vote. The Council shall be organized in two sub-sections: College and Academy Section, and Seminary Section. The Council for Higher Education shall advance and interpret higher education in the United Church of Christ, including the cultivation of closer relationships between the educational institutions and the church, the expression of the connection between faith and knowledge in those institutions, and, in cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board, the promotion of education as an integral part of the Church’s mission.
288 Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries Created by the Fourteenth General Synod (83-GS-43) the Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM) provides a place where racial and ethnic groups can develop their common agenda, collaborate with appropriate program and mission bodies of the United Church of Christ so that resources for racial and ethnic ministries will be effective and relevant, discern appropriate ways by which the many and varied gifts of racial and ethnic groups may be made available to the Church, and advocate for racial and ethnic concerns within the United Church of Christ. It is composed of two representatives each from the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministry (PAAM), the Council for Hispanic Ministries (CHM), the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM), United Black Christians (UBC), and Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice (MRSEJ), who are accountable to the groups that send them. COREM is accountable to the United Church of Christ Board of the United Church of Christ.
289 Council for Theological Education The Council for Theological Education (CTE) shall be responsible for fostering mutual accountability between the United Church of Christ and the Seminaries of the United Church of Christ, for periodic reviews of the criteria for being designated as a Seminary of the United Church of Christ, and for the general well-being of the relationship between the seminaries and the United Church of Christ. The Council will exercise care for the Seminaries, explore ways by which theological education contributes to the leadership needs of the Church, foster cooperation among the Seminaries, and facilitate communication and appropriate engagement between the Seminaries of the United Church of Christ and Historically Related Seminaries and with other seminaries which provide theological education for persons preparing for authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. Seminaries of the United Church of Christ retain full membership and responsibility in the Council for Higher Education and its seminary section. The Council will provide comment to the United Church of Christ Board whenever the United Church of Christ Board prepares to recommend a seminary for recognition as a Seminary of the United Church of Christ. The Council shall be composed of the President and one additional representative from each of the Seminaries of the United Church of Christ, a representative from one of the Historically Related Seminaries, two representatives from the Council of Conference Ministers elected by that Council, two conference staff persons who relate to a Committee on Ministry and/or work with the search and call process from a conference not otherwise represented on the Council, four persons who serve on a Committee on Ministry, the General Minister and President, and the Executive Minister from Local Church Ministries. The Collegium will assign staff members as necessary to support the programmatic work of the Council. An intentional effort will be made to ensure that those who have been historically under-represented be present in the membership of the Council. The Council shall meet annually and shall elect its own officers each biennium.
290 Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries The Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries (CYYAM) shall serve to advocate, support programs, and be a resource for youth and young adult ministries throughout the United Church of Christ and shall report to the United Church of Christ Board and to the General Synod on issues, developments, and concerns in youth and young adult ministries in church and society. It shall monitor to ensure that the unique gifts and talents of youth and young adults are present in all aspects of the life of the Church. It shall inform, envision, and shape national youth and young adult ministry priorities across the Church. The Council and its membership will act as a resource regarding youth and young adult ministry opportunities across the Church (including but not limited to internships, mission trips, Regional Youth Events, National Youth Event, and General Synod). The Council shall organize itself as needed in order to carry out its work and shall have direct access to the United Church of Christ Board and the General Synod in areas of program and budget. The Council’s composition shall reflect the United Church of Christ’s commitment to having a diversity of perspectives in church governance.
291 Council of Conference Ministers The Council of Conference Ministers (CCM) shall be composed of the Conference Ministers of the several Conferences. The General Minister and President shall be a member ex-officio, without vote, of the Council and its Cabinet. It shall select a chairperson and such other officers and committees as it shall deem necessary. It shall elect from its members those who are to serve on the United Church of Christ Board and in other representative positions, distributing those positions among the Regions. It shall maintain a close relationship with the Officers of the Church, the United Church of Christ Board, and national units the Covenanted Ministries, the Affiliated Ministry, and the Associated Ministry with respect to matters affecting the life of the Church.
292 Historical Council The Historical Council (HC) shall be composed of twelve members, three elected by each of the Historical Societies, Congregational Christian and Evangelical and Reformed, and six at large appointed by the United Church of Christ Board. One-third shall be named each biennium for a term of six years, to serve until their respective successors are named and qualified, and not to exceed two terms. The United Church of Christ Board will name from these twelve members the chairperson. The Council shall meet at the call of the General Minister and President or the chairperson. It shall act in an advisory capacity to the General Minister and President and the United Church of Christ Board in overseeing the archives of the United Church of Christ and of the two Historical Societies, in expressing interest and concern for all archival collections related to the several heritages of the denomination, in recommending the amount to be allocated in the contributions budget for the Historical Societies, and in reminding the United Church of Christ of its traditions. The Council shall receive financial support through the United Church of Christ Board and staff support as assigned by the General Minister and President.
293 Council for Health and Human Service Ministries The Council for Health and Human Services Ministries (CHHSM) was recognized by the Fifteenth General Synod as an organization composed of institutions and programs in health and welfare related to the United Church of Christ and accepted by the CHHSM as conforming to its standards. The CHHSM is organized with its own Directorate and Officers. The purposes and functions of the CHHSM shall include: 1) The support and nurture for its member institutions and programs in fulfillment of their ministries as part of the mission of the United Church of Christ; 2) Representation of the ministries of its member institutions and programs to the General Synod and United Church of Christ Board in the conduct of the mission of the United Church of Christ in health and welfare; 3) Cooperation with the Conferences and the United Church of Christ Board in the process of Conference recognition of health and human service ministries, monitoring the authorization to seek funds within Conferences, and approval of requests to conduct capital campaigns; 4) Provision, annually, to the United Church of Christ Board, the names of those member institutions and programs which conform to the standards set by CHHSM; 5) Cooperation with the United Church of Christ Board in collecting information on institutions and programs in health and welfare to be listed in the United Church of Christ Yearbook; and 6) Participation in secular, ecumenical, and inter-faith networks in the field of health and welfare.
SELF-CREATED GROUPS
294 Council for Hispanic Ministries The Council for Hispanic Ministries (CHM) is an autonomous body working cooperatively with Local Churches, Associations, Conferences, Regions and other Ministries of the United Church of Christ. It offers a perspective that honors the context and culture of its members while encouraging inter-cultural, inter-faith, and international dialogue among all constituencies. The Council shall promote its mission within the United Church of Christ and work with the Church to monitor boards and ministries that deal with concerns and issues important to Hispanics/Latinos/Latinas in the USA, Puerto Rico, Mexico and other nations of the Caribbean and Central and South America.
295 Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice (MRSEJ) is a group which brings together clergy who advocate on behalf of African Americans in church and society, providing a caucus of ministers for fellowship, for sharing mutual concerns, and for actions regarding the agenda of the black constituency within the United Church of Christ. MRSEJ challenges, monitors, initiates, and supports the cause of African American involvement to the fullest possible measure in the life of the United Church of Christ.
296 UCC Disabilities Ministries The UCC Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM) strives for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life and mission of the Church. The UCCDM encourages Local Churches to be open, inclusive, affirming, and accessible in their buildings, worship, education, fellowship, and service so that they may proclaim God’s word to and with all persons, including those with disabilities. It seeks to enable all members of the United Church of Christ to affirm the theological/biblical affirmations of the wholeness of all people, and to recognize the ministry to and with persons with disabilities as a part of the ministry of all the baptized. The UCCDM is composed of between twenty-five and fifty active and associate members. These representatives include persons with disabilities, members of families of persons with disabilities, experts on disabilities, and other persons from the United Church of Christ who support the purposes of the UCCDM.
297 Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries (PAAM), organized in 1974 and recognized by the Tenth General Synod, advocates for the presence, participation and contributions of PAAM in the life of the United Church of Christ and serves its constituent members and churches, initiating and supporting their life, and working for greater representation in wider church settings. It seeks to strengthen local churches, to nurture and develop lay and clergy leadership for the church, and to address issues of justice. As an advocate group for the rights of people, PAAM is involved in issues of the rights of Pacific Islander and Asian people in the United States and in the United Church of Christ and works in the areas of rights for women and children, the poor on welfare, institutional racism, and political prisoners.
298 United Black Christians United Black Christians (UBC) is a special interest group which represents over 50,000 African-American members of the United Church of Christ. It stands in the affirmation that each person has gifts to offer to the Church, and that each is entitled to full rights and privileges as children of God. UBC dedicates itself to providing voice for all African-American members of the United Church of Christ, seeking to witness to, and preserve the history and legacy of the African-American people and churches. UBC is an active advocate for liberation and social justice at home and abroad.
299 United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns The United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns (The Coalition) is composed of members and friends of the United Church of Christ who affirm the good news that all persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions are loved and empowered by God. The Coalition actively works to combat prejudice and seeks justice for, and the full inclusion and involvement of, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians in all expressions of the United Church of Christ. In its leadership and outreach, The Coalition is committed to ending exclusion based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, race, age, size, class and/or ableness. It promotes mutual ministries of pastoral care, education, and advocacy within the United Church of Christ and society as a whole; encourages Local Churches, Associations and Conferences to become “Open and Affirming” (ONA); and organizes within Conferences to make resources of The Coalition available to all.
300 Relationships Unless otherwise designated in these Bylaws, each of the aforementioned bodies shall have a primary relationship with the United Church of Christ Board which shall serve as its primary linkage to the national expressions of the United Church of Christ, to which it shall report annually. This primary relationship shall be defined by the United Church of Christ Board in consultation with the respective group. The designated relationship shall be reviewed each biennium by the appropriate partners, and may be changed upon the mutual consent of those partners, and so declared by vote of the United Church of Christ Board. The Collegium of Officers shall be responsible for initiating said review.
The Constitution of the United Church of Christ was declared in force by the Third General Synod on July 4, 1961. It has been amended by General Synods in 1965, 1969, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2011.
The Bylaws were adopted by the Third General Synod on July 4, 1961.They have been amended by General Synods in 1963, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2011.
Published by the Executive Council for the United Church of Christ.
Additional copies may be obtained from United Church of Church Resources, Inc., at 800-537-3394 or FAX 216-736-2206, at $4.50 each, or $4.00 each for ten or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
SECTION MENU
About Us
Who We Are
What We Believe
God is still speaking,
Hear Our Stories
UCC Firsts
United Church of Christ Board
Officers of the Church
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Annual Reports
Branding Guidelines
Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Mr. Lee Foley
Chief Administrative Officer
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2192
foleyl@ucc.org
Investments to benefit you. And the future.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/about-us/constitution-of-the-ucc.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ - La Declaración de Fe de la Iglesia Unida de Cristo
Traditional Version
Robert V. Moss Version
Doxological Version
La Declaración de Fe
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith—original version
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:
He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.
He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, 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.
He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him.
Amen.
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith—adapted by Robert V. Moss
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, 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.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace,the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
Amen.
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith in the form of a doxology
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.
La Declaración de Fe de la Iglesia Unida de Cristo
Creemos en Dios, el Espíritu Eterno, Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo y nuestro Creador; y de sus obras testificamos:
Dios llama los mundos para que existan, creó al ser humano a su imagen y semejanza, y puso ante la humanidad los caminos de la vida y la muerte.
Busca en su santo amor salvar a todas las personas de su desorientación y pecado.
Dios juzga al ser humano y a las naciones por medio de su justa voluntad declarada a través de los profetas y los apóstoles.
En Jesucristo, el hombre de Nazaret, nuestro Señor crucificado y resucitado, Dios ha venido y ha compartido nuestra suerte, venció el pecado y la muerte y reconcilió al mundo para sí mismo.
Dios nos concedió el Espíritu Santo, que crea y renueva la iglesia de Jesucristo y une en un pacto de fidelidad a personas de todas las edades, idiomas y razas.
Dios nos llama como iglesia para que aceptemos el costo y la alegría del discipulado, para que seamos sus servidores al servicio del ser humano, para proclamar el evangelio a todo el mundo y resistir los poderes del maligno, para compartir el bautismo de Cristo, comer en su mesa, y unirnos a Jesús en su pasión y victoria.
Dios promete a toda persona que confía en Jesús el perdón de los pecados y la plenitud de su gracia, valor en la lucha por la justicia y la paz, su presencia en las tristezas y en las alegrías, y vida eterna en su reino que no tiene fin.
Bendición y honor, gloria y poder sean dados a Dios.
Amén.
About this testimony
The original (traditional) version of the UCC Statement of Faith was adopted in 1959 by General Synod and is widely regarded as one of the most significant Christian faith testimonies of the 20th century. The Statement of Faith in the Form of a Doxology was authorized by Executive Council in 1981. For these and other affirmations of the Christian faith, see the Book of Worship of United Church of Christ and The New Century Hymnal. Both resources are available from United Church Resources at 800-325-7061, or can be ordered from The Pilgrim Press at www.ThePilgrimPress.com
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Invest Where Trust Still Matters - United Church Funds
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/statement-of-faith.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ - La Declaración de Fe de la Iglesia Unida de Cristo
Traditional Version
Robert V. Moss Version
Doxological Version
La Declaración de Fe
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith—original version
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:
He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.
He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, 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.
He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him.
Amen.
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith—adapted by Robert V. Moss
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, who is made known to us in Jesus our brother, and to whose deeds we testify:
God calls the worlds into being, creates humankind in the divine image, and sets before us the ways of life and death.
God seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
God judges all humanity and all nations by that will of righteousness declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord,God has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the whole creation to its Creator.
God bestows upon us the Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family, 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.
God promises to all who trust in the gospel forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace,the presence of the Holy Spirit in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in that kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto God.
Amen.
United Church of Christ Statement of Faith in the form of a doxology
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.
La Declaración de Fe de la Iglesia Unida de Cristo
Creemos en Dios, el Espíritu Eterno, Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo y nuestro Creador; y de sus obras testificamos:
Dios llama los mundos para que existan, creó al ser humano a su imagen y semejanza, y puso ante la humanidad los caminos de la vida y la muerte.
Busca en su santo amor salvar a todas las personas de su desorientación y pecado.
Dios juzga al ser humano y a las naciones por medio de su justa voluntad declarada a través de los profetas y los apóstoles.
En Jesucristo, el hombre de Nazaret, nuestro Señor crucificado y resucitado, Dios ha venido y ha compartido nuestra suerte, venció el pecado y la muerte y reconcilió al mundo para sí mismo.
Dios nos concedió el Espíritu Santo, que crea y renueva la iglesia de Jesucristo y une en un pacto de fidelidad a personas de todas las edades, idiomas y razas.
Dios nos llama como iglesia para que aceptemos el costo y la alegría del discipulado, para que seamos sus servidores al servicio del ser humano, para proclamar el evangelio a todo el mundo y resistir los poderes del maligno, para compartir el bautismo de Cristo, comer en su mesa, y unirnos a Jesús en su pasión y victoria.
Dios promete a toda persona que confía en Jesús el perdón de los pecados y la plenitud de su gracia, valor en la lucha por la justicia y la paz, su presencia en las tristezas y en las alegrías, y vida eterna en su reino que no tiene fin.
Bendición y honor, gloria y poder sean dados a Dios.
Amén.
About this testimony
The original (traditional) version of the UCC Statement of Faith was adopted in 1959 by General Synod and is widely regarded as one of the most significant Christian faith testimonies of the 20th century. The Statement of Faith in the Form of a Doxology was authorized by Executive Council in 1981. For these and other affirmations of the Christian faith, see the Book of Worship of United Church of Christ and The New Century Hymnal. Both resources are available from United Church Resources at 800-325-7061, or can be ordered from The Pilgrim Press at www.ThePilgrimPress.com
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Invest Where Trust Still Matters - United Church Funds
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/statement-of-faith.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
The name of Jesus is above every name
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in theSpirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind,having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each ofyou look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be inyou that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-22
About this testimony
One of the oldest Christian liturgical texts recorded in Scripture, this is the famous "kenotic hymn" or "Song of the Self-Emptying of Christ" from Philippians 2:1-11. It explores the mystery of Christ's humiliation and exaltation. The One who was handed over to a shameful death on the Cross is the One before whom all knees will bend and all tongues will confess, "Jesus Christ is Lord." But Christ's humility also teaches us how to live: we should "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better" than ourselves. So, "let each you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." This is how Jesus lived. This is how we can live.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
You Have Plans. We Have Loans. Let's Talk.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/the-name-of-jesus-is-above.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
The name of Jesus is above every name
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in theSpirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind,having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each ofyou look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be inyou that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-22
About this testimony
One of the oldest Christian liturgical texts recorded in Scripture, this is the famous "kenotic hymn" or "Song of the Self-Emptying of Christ" from Philippians 2:1-11. It explores the mystery of Christ's humiliation and exaltation. The One who was handed over to a shameful death on the Cross is the One before whom all knees will bend and all tongues will confess, "Jesus Christ is Lord." But Christ's humility also teaches us how to live: we should "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better" than ourselves. So, "let each you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." This is how Jesus lived. This is how we can live.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
You Have Plans. We Have Loans. Let's Talk.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/the-name-of-jesus-is-above.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Jesus Christ is head of the church
Christ is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation;
for in Christ all things were created, in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions
or principalities or authorities—
all things were created through Christ and for Christ.
Christ is before all things,
and in Christ all things hold together.
Christ is the head of the body, the church;
Christ is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in everything Christ might be preeminent.
For in Christ all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through Christ all things are reconciled to God,
whether on earth or in heaven,
making peace by the blood of Christ's cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
About this testimony
This testimony of faith, adapted from Colossians 1:15-20, is from the Book of Worship, United Church of Christ. In the words of Holy Scripture, it affirms our belief that Jesus Christ is the center of creation, the head of the church, and both the human and divine One "in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." For information on how to order the Book of Worship, please call United Church Resources at 1-800-325-7061.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
God is Still Building
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/jesus-christ-is-head-of-the.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Jesus Christ is head of the church
Christ is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation;
for in Christ all things were created, in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions
or principalities or authorities—
all things were created through Christ and for Christ.
Christ is before all things,
and in Christ all things hold together.
Christ is the head of the body, the church;
Christ is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in everything Christ might be preeminent.
For in Christ all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through Christ all things are reconciled to God,
whether on earth or in heaven,
making peace by the blood of Christ's cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
About this testimony
This testimony of faith, adapted from Colossians 1:15-20, is from the Book of Worship, United Church of Christ. In the words of Holy Scripture, it affirms our belief that Jesus Christ is the center of creation, the head of the church, and both the human and divine One "in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell." For information on how to order the Book of Worship, please call United Church Resources at 1-800-325-7061.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
God is Still Building
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/jesus-christ-is-head-of-the.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
God's plan of salvation
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before God in love.
God destined us for adoption as God's children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of God's will, to the praise of God's glorious grace that God freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of God's grace that God lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight God has made known to us the mystery of God's will, according to God's good pleasure that God set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth.
In Christ, we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of God who accomplishes all things according to God's counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of God's glory. In Christ you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in Christ, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of God's glory.
Ephesians 1:3-14
About this testimony
This is one of the oldest testimonies of faith in the Christian tradition. It is an ancient church hymn praising our salvation in Christ and can be found in Ephesians 1:3-14. Despite our fall from God, God destined us before time to be God's children "through Jesus Christ." Through Christ's blood we have the "forgiveness of our sins." The God praised in this hymn is a generous God who despite humanity's misery rushes to our side and restores our glorious inheritance—to be God's own adopted daughters and sons.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/gods-plan-of-salvation.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
God's plan of salvation
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before God in love.
God destined us for adoption as God's children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of God's will, to the praise of God's glorious grace that God freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of God's grace that God lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight God has made known to us the mystery of God's will, according to God's good pleasure that God set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth.
In Christ, we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of God who accomplishes all things according to God's counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of God's glory. In Christ you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in Christ, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of God's glory.
Ephesians 1:3-14
About this testimony
This is one of the oldest testimonies of faith in the Christian tradition. It is an ancient church hymn praising our salvation in Christ and can be found in Ephesians 1:3-14. Despite our fall from God, God destined us before time to be God's children "through Jesus Christ." Through Christ's blood we have the "forgiveness of our sins." The God praised in this hymn is a generous God who despite humanity's misery rushes to our side and restores our glorious inheritance—to be God's own adopted daughters and sons.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/gods-plan-of-salvation.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
God's plan of salvation
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before God in love.
God destined us for adoption as God's children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of God's will, to the praise of God's glorious grace that God freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of God's grace that God lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight God has made known to us the mystery of God's will, according to God's good pleasure that God set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth.
In Christ, we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of God who accomplishes all things according to God's counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of God's glory. In Christ you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in Christ, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of God's glory.
Ephesians 1:3-14
About this testimony
This is one of the oldest testimonies of faith in the Christian tradition. It is an ancient church hymn praising our salvation in Christ and can be found in Ephesians 1:3-14. Despite our fall from God, God destined us before time to be God's children "through Jesus Christ." Through Christ's blood we have the "forgiveness of our sins." The God praised in this hymn is a generous God who despite humanity's misery rushes to our side and restores our glorious inheritance—to be God's own adopted daughters and sons.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/gods-plan-of-salvation.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
From the English Language Liturgical Commission, 1988. Other affirmations of the faith for public worship are available in the New Century Hymnal and the Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ. A collection of ancient ecumenical and Protestant testimonies of the faith can be found in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, published by the Pilgrim Press. All three books can be purchased from United Church Resources at 1-800-325-7061.
About this testimony
The Apostles' Creed evolved into its present form by the seventh century, although much of the text originated the first century. It is the creed par excellence of Baptism, widely used when candidates declare their readiness for membership in the Body of Christ and recited during the Great Vigil of Easter as a reminder of our baptismal covenant. It is frequently used in Protestant churches during Sunday worship, and forms an important part of the orders for daily Morning and Evening Prayer in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
God is Still Building
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/the-apostles-creed.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
From the English Language Liturgical Commission, 1988. Other affirmations of the faith for public worship are available in the New Century Hymnal and the Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ. A collection of ancient ecumenical and Protestant testimonies of the faith can be found in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, published by the Pilgrim Press. All three books can be purchased from United Church Resources at 1-800-325-7061.
About this testimony
The Apostles' Creed evolved into its present form by the seventh century, although much of the text originated the first century. It is the creed par excellence of Baptism, widely used when candidates declare their readiness for membership in the Body of Christ and recited during the Great Vigil of Easter as a reminder of our baptismal covenant. It is frequently used in Protestant churches during Sunday worship, and forms an important part of the orders for daily Morning and Evening Prayer in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
God is Still Building
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/the-apostles-creed.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
From the English Language Liturgical Commission, 1988. Other ancient creeds and testimonies of the faith are collected in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ. Affirmations of the faith for public worship are available in the New Century Hymnal and the Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ. All three books can be purchased from United Church Resources, 800-325-7061.
About this testimony
Also known as the Nicene- Constantinopolitan Creed, this classic testimony of the faith was the consensus of ecumenical councils in Nicea, 325, and Constantinople, 381. The creed was a response to the "Arian" movement, which challenged the church's teaching that Christ was both fully human and fully divine. Arians emphasized the humanity of Christ, and therefore believed he was "subordinate" to the Father. But the faith proclaimed in Constantinople was in a Christ who was both, and therefore "of one being" with the Father. This creed is recited in the Sunday worship of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, and many Lutheran and Reformed congregations also use the creed when they celebrate Holy Communion.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
You Have Plans. We Have Loans. Let's Talk.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/nicene-creed.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
From the English Language Liturgical Commission, 1988. Other ancient creeds and testimonies of the faith are collected in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ. Affirmations of the faith for public worship are available in the New Century Hymnal and the Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ. All three books can be purchased from United Church Resources, 800-325-7061.
About this testimony
Also known as the Nicene- Constantinopolitan Creed, this classic testimony of the faith was the consensus of ecumenical councils in Nicea, 325, and Constantinople, 381. The creed was a response to the "Arian" movement, which challenged the church's teaching that Christ was both fully human and fully divine. Arians emphasized the humanity of Christ, and therefore believed he was "subordinate" to the Father. But the faith proclaimed in Constantinople was in a Christ who was both, and therefore "of one being" with the Father. This creed is recited in the Sunday worship of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, and many Lutheran and Reformed congregations also use the creed when they celebrate Holy Communion.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
You Have Plans. We Have Loans. Let's Talk.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/nicene-creed.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Jesus Christ is both human and divine
We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one accord,
teach people to confess one and the same Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
at once complete in Godhead and complete in humanity,
truly God and truly human,
consisting of a rational soul and body;
of one substance with the Father as regards his Godhead,
and at the same time of one substance with us
as regards his humanity;
like us in all respects, apart from sin;
as regards his Godhead,
begotten of the Father before the ages,
but yet as regards his humanity begotten,
for us and for our salvation,
of Mary the Virgin, the Theotokos [God-Bearer];
one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten,
recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change,
without division, without separation;
the distinction of natures being in no way annulled by the union,
but rather the characteristics of each nature being preserved
and coming together to form one person and subsistence,
not as parted or separated into two persons,
but one and the same Son and Only-begotten God, the Word,
the Lord Jesus Christ;
even as the prophets from earliest times spoke of him,
and our Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us,
and the creed of the holy Fathers has handed down to us.
About this testimony
The "Definition of the Council of Chalcedon," 451, was the end result of the struggle to understand the relationship of the three persons of the Holy Trinity. It is accepted as a symbol of Christian doctrine by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Reformed and Lutheran churches. The concern of Chalcedon is the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. Seeking a middle way, it says "no" to doctrines that deny either that Christ was truly human or that Christ was truly divine. Christ is both, the definition says, united to the First Person of the Trinity in his divinity and united to us in his humanity. Even today, some Christians experience Jesus only as God, others only as a human being. The contribution of Chalcedon—which is now the mainstream of Christianity—is an inclusive Christology that affirms that both experiences are true, but neither is complete without the other.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Investments to benefit you. And the future.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/jesus-christ-is-both-human.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Jesus Christ is both human and divine
We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one accord,
teach people to confess one and the same Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ,
at once complete in Godhead and complete in humanity,
truly God and truly human,
consisting of a rational soul and body;
of one substance with the Father as regards his Godhead,
and at the same time of one substance with us
as regards his humanity;
like us in all respects, apart from sin;
as regards his Godhead,
begotten of the Father before the ages,
but yet as regards his humanity begotten,
for us and for our salvation,
of Mary the Virgin, the Theotokos [God-Bearer];
one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten,
recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change,
without division, without separation;
the distinction of natures being in no way annulled by the union,
but rather the characteristics of each nature being preserved
and coming together to form one person and subsistence,
not as parted or separated into two persons,
but one and the same Son and Only-begotten God, the Word,
the Lord Jesus Christ;
even as the prophets from earliest times spoke of him,
and our Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us,
and the creed of the holy Fathers has handed down to us.
About this testimony
The "Definition of the Council of Chalcedon," 451, was the end result of the struggle to understand the relationship of the three persons of the Holy Trinity. It is accepted as a symbol of Christian doctrine by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Reformed and Lutheran churches. The concern of Chalcedon is the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. Seeking a middle way, it says "no" to doctrines that deny either that Christ was truly human or that Christ was truly divine. Christ is both, the definition says, united to the First Person of the Trinity in his divinity and united to us in his humanity. Even today, some Christians experience Jesus only as God, others only as a human being. The contribution of Chalcedon—which is now the mainstream of Christianity—is an inclusive Christology that affirms that both experiences are true, but neither is complete without the other.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Investments to benefit you. And the future.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Martin Luther's Small Catechism: a 'short course' in the Christian faith
The Ten Commandments
The Apostles' Creed
The Lord's Prayer
The Sacrament of Baptism
Confession and Absolution
The Sacrament of the Altar
Morning and Evening Prayers
Grace at Table
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
The First Commandment:
"You shall have no other gods."
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
The Second Commandment:
"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not use his name to curse, swear, practice magic, lie or deceive, but in every time of need call upon him, pray to him, praise him and give him thanks.
The Third Commandment:
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not despise his Word and the preaching of the same, but deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it.
The Fourth Commandment:
"Honor your father and your mother."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not despise our parents and superiors, nor provoke them to anger, but honor, serve, obey, love and esteem them.
The Fifth Commandment:
"You shall not kill."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not endanger our neighbor's life, nor cause him any harm, but help and befriend him in every necessity of life.
The Sixth Commandment:
"You shall not commit adultery."
We should fear and love God, and so we should lead a chaste and pure life in word and deed, each one loving and honoring his wife or her husband.
The Seventh Commandment:
"You shall not steal."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not rob our neighbor of his money or property, nor bring them into our possession by dishonest trade or by dealing in shoddy wares, but help him to improve and protect his income and property.
The Eighth Commandment:
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not tell lies about our neighbor, nor betray, slander or defame him, but should apologize for him, speak well for him, and interpret charitably all that he does.
The Ninth Commandment:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not seek by craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's inheritance or home, nor to obtain them under pretext of legal right, but be of service and help to him so that he may keep what is his.
The Tenth Commandment:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not abduct, estrange or entice away our neighbor's wife, servants or cattle, but encourage them to remain and discharge their duty to him.
What does God declare concerning all these commandments?
He says, "I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments. We should therefore fear his wrath and not disobey these commandments. On the other hand, he promises grace and every blessing to all who keep them. We should therefore love him, trust in him, and cheerfully do what he has commanded.
THE APOSTLES' CREED
The First Article: Creation
"I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth."
I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that he has given me and still sustains my body and soul, all my limbs and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with food and clothing, house and home, family and property; that he provides me daily and abundantly with all the necessities of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me from all evil. All this he does out of his pure, fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on my part. For all of this I am bound to thank, praise, serve and obey him. This is most certainly true.
The Second Article: Redemption
"I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come to judge the living and the dead."
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, delivered me and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with silver and gold but with his holy and precious blood and with his innocent sufferings and death, in order that I may be his, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
The Third Article: Sanctification
"I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen."
I believe that by my own reason or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and abundantly forgives all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and on the last day he will raise me and all the dead and will grant eternal life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
"Our Father in heaven."
Here God would encourage us to believe that he is truly our Father and we are truly his children—in order that we may approach him boldly and confidently in prayer, even as beloved children approach their dear father.
"Hallowed be your name."
To be sure, God's name is holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may also be holy for us.
How is this done?
When the Word of God is taught clearly and purely and we, as children of God, lead holy loves in accordance with it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But whoever teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches, profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, heavenly Father!
"Your kingdom come."
To be sure, the kingdom of God comes of itself, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also come to us.
How is this done?
When the heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit so that by his grace we may believe his holy Word and live a godly life, both in time and hereafter forever.
"Your will be done, on earth as in heaven."
To be sure, the good and gracious will of God is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also be done by us.
How is this done?
When God curbs and destroys every evil counsel and purpose of the devil, of the world, and of our flesh which would hinder us from hallowing his name and prevent the coming of his reign, and when he strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in his Word and in faith even to the end. This is his good and gracious will.
"Give us today our daily bread."
To be sure, God provides daily bread, even to the wicked, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that God may make us aware of his gifts and enable us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread?
Everything required to satisfy our bodily needs, such as food and clothing, house and home, fields and flocks, money and property; a pious spouse and good children, trustworthy servants, godly and faithful rulers, good government; seasonable weather, peace and health, order and honor; true friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
We pray in this petition that our heavenly Father may not look upon our sins, and on their account deny our prayers, for we neither merit nor deserve those things for which we pray. Although we sin daily and deserve nothing but punishment, we nevertheless pray that God may grant us all things by his grace. And assuredly we on our part will heartily forgive and cheerfully do good to those who may sin against us.
"Save us from the time of trial."
God tempts no one to sin, but we pray in this petition that God may so guard and preserve us that the devil, the world, and our flesh mahy not deceive us or mislead us into unbelief, despair, and other great and shameful sins, but that, although we may be so tempted, we may finally prevail and gain the victory.
"And deliver us from evil."
We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Father in heaven may deliver us from all manner of evil, whether it affect body or soul, property or reputation, and that at last, when the hour of death comes, he may grant us a blessed end and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to himself in heaven.
"Amen."
It means that I should be assured that such petitions are acceptable to our heavenly Father and are heard by him, for he himself commanded us to pray like this and promised to hear us. "Amen, amen" means "Yes, yes, it shall be so."
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
What is baptism?
Baptism is not merely water, but it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's Word.
What is this Word of God?
As recorded in Matthew 28:19, our Lord Christ said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?
If effects forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and grants eternal salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.
What is this Word and promise of God?
As recorded in Mark 16:16, our Lord Christ said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned."
How can water produce such great effects?
It is not the water that produces these effects, but the Word of God connected with the water, and our faith which relies on the Word of God connected with the water. For without the Word of God the water is merely water and no Baptism. But when connected with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul wrote to Titus (3:5-8): "He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. This saying is sure."
What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil lusts, should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance and be put to death, and that the new man should come forth daily and rise up, cleansed and righteous, to live forever in God's presence.
Where is this written?
In Romans 6:4, St. Paul wrote: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
What is confession?
Confession consists of two parts. One is that we confess our sins. The other is that we receive absolution or forgiveness from the confessor as from God himself, by no means doubting but firmly believing that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should acknowledge that we are guilty of all manner of sins, even those of which we are not aware, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. Before the confessor, however, we should confess only those sins of which we have knowledge and which trouble us.
What are such sins?
Reflect on your condition in the light of the Ten Commandments: whether you are a father or mother, a son or daughter, a master or servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, lazy, ill-tempered, or quarrelsome; whether you have harmed anyone by word or deed; and whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted anything, or done other evil.
[Here Luther gives two examples of a confession.] . . . Then the confessor shall say: "God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. Amen."
Again he shall say: "Do you believe that the forgiveness I declare is the forgiveness of God?"
Answer: "Yes, I do."
Then he shall say: "Be it done for you as you have believed. According to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace."
A confessor will know additional passages of the Scriptures with which to comfort and to strengthen the faith of those whose consciences are heavily burdened or who are distressed and sorely tried. . . .
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR
What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
Instituted by Jesus Christ himself, it is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and to drink.
Where is this written?
The holy evangelists Matthew, Mark and Luke, and also St. Paul, write thus: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
We are told in the words "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." By these words the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given to us in the sacrament, for where there is forgiveness of sins, there are also life and salvation.
How can bodily eating and drinking produce such great effects?
The eating and drinking do not in themselves produce them, but the words "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." These words, when accompanied by the bodily eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the sacrament, and he who believes these words has what they say and declare: the forgiveness of sins.
Who, then, receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are a good external discipline, but he is truly worthy and well prepared who believes these words: "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." On the other hand, he who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require truly believing hearts.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS
In the morning
. . . when you rise, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then you may say this prayer:
"I give you thanks, heavenly Father, through your dear Son Jesus Christ, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I beseech you to keep me this day, too, from all sin and evil, that in all my thoughts, words and deeds I may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angel have charge of me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen."
After singing a hymn (possibly a hymn on the Ten Commandments) or whatever your devotion may suggest, you should go to your work joyfully.
In the evening
. . . when you retire, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then you may say this prayer:
"I give you thanks, heavenly Father, through your dear Son Jesus Christ, that you have graciously protected me through this day. I beseech you to forgive all my sin and wrong which I have done. Graciously protect me during the coming night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen."
Then quickly lie down and sleep in peace.
GRACE AT TABLE
Blessing before eating
When the children and the whole household gather at the table, they should reverently fold their hands and say:
"The eyes of all look to you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open wide your hand. You satisfy the desire of every living thing."
(It is to be observed that "satisfying the desire of every living thing" means that all creatures receive enough to eat to make them joyful and of good cheer. Greed and anxiety about food prevent such satisfaction.)
Then the Lord's Prayer should be said, and afterwards this prayer:
"Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these your gifts which of you bountiful goodness you have bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Thanksgiving after eating
After eating, likewise, they should fold their hands reverently and say:
"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."
Then the Lord's Prayer should be said, and afterwards this prayer:
"We give you thanks, Lord God, our Father, for all your benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. Amen."
About this testimony
Martin Luther's Small Catechism, 1529, was written to answer the need for a basic exposition of the Christian faith for lay people. It follows the historic form of a catechism, based on explanations of the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer, to which Luther has added sections on Baptism, Confession and the Sacrament of the Altar, along with forms for Morning and Evening Prayer and Grace at Table.
Historically, a catechism was a short course in Christianity to prepare converts for Baptism. "Luther's Small Catechism is often seen as the beginning of catechesis in the modern sense," writes UCC church historian John B. Payne. "It had enormous influence on all subsequent catechisms, both Protestant and Catholic." It entered the UCC tradition as a faith testimony through one of our antecedent churches: the German Evangelical Synod of North America. Other historic creeds and confessions are collected in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, published by the Pilgrim Press and available from United Church Resources at 1-800-325-7061.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/martin-luthers-small.html
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/jesus-christ-is-both-human.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Martin Luther's Small Catechism: a 'short course' in the Christian faith
The Ten Commandments
The Apostles' Creed
The Lord's Prayer
The Sacrament of Baptism
Confession and Absolution
The Sacrament of the Altar
Morning and Evening Prayers
Grace at Table
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
The First Commandment:
"You shall have no other gods."
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
The Second Commandment:
"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not use his name to curse, swear, practice magic, lie or deceive, but in every time of need call upon him, pray to him, praise him and give him thanks.
The Third Commandment:
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not despise his Word and the preaching of the same, but deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it.
The Fourth Commandment:
"Honor your father and your mother."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not despise our parents and superiors, nor provoke them to anger, but honor, serve, obey, love and esteem them.
The Fifth Commandment:
"You shall not kill."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not endanger our neighbor's life, nor cause him any harm, but help and befriend him in every necessity of life.
The Sixth Commandment:
"You shall not commit adultery."
We should fear and love God, and so we should lead a chaste and pure life in word and deed, each one loving and honoring his wife or her husband.
The Seventh Commandment:
"You shall not steal."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not rob our neighbor of his money or property, nor bring them into our possession by dishonest trade or by dealing in shoddy wares, but help him to improve and protect his income and property.
The Eighth Commandment:
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not tell lies about our neighbor, nor betray, slander or defame him, but should apologize for him, speak well for him, and interpret charitably all that he does.
The Ninth Commandment:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not seek by craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's inheritance or home, nor to obtain them under pretext of legal right, but be of service and help to him so that he may keep what is his.
The Tenth Commandment:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not abduct, estrange or entice away our neighbor's wife, servants or cattle, but encourage them to remain and discharge their duty to him.
What does God declare concerning all these commandments?
He says, "I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments. We should therefore fear his wrath and not disobey these commandments. On the other hand, he promises grace and every blessing to all who keep them. We should therefore love him, trust in him, and cheerfully do what he has commanded.
THE APOSTLES' CREED
The First Article: Creation
"I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth."
I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that he has given me and still sustains my body and soul, all my limbs and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with food and clothing, house and home, family and property; that he provides me daily and abundantly with all the necessities of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me from all evil. All this he does out of his pure, fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on my part. For all of this I am bound to thank, praise, serve and obey him. This is most certainly true.
The Second Article: Redemption
"I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come to judge the living and the dead."
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, delivered me and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with silver and gold but with his holy and precious blood and with his innocent sufferings and death, in order that I may be his, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
The Third Article: Sanctification
"I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen."
I believe that by my own reason or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and abundantly forgives all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and on the last day he will raise me and all the dead and will grant eternal life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
"Our Father in heaven."
Here God would encourage us to believe that he is truly our Father and we are truly his children—in order that we may approach him boldly and confidently in prayer, even as beloved children approach their dear father.
"Hallowed be your name."
To be sure, God's name is holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may also be holy for us.
How is this done?
When the Word of God is taught clearly and purely and we, as children of God, lead holy loves in accordance with it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But whoever teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches, profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, heavenly Father!
"Your kingdom come."
To be sure, the kingdom of God comes of itself, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also come to us.
How is this done?
When the heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit so that by his grace we may believe his holy Word and live a godly life, both in time and hereafter forever.
"Your will be done, on earth as in heaven."
To be sure, the good and gracious will of God is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also be done by us.
How is this done?
When God curbs and destroys every evil counsel and purpose of the devil, of the world, and of our flesh which would hinder us from hallowing his name and prevent the coming of his reign, and when he strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in his Word and in faith even to the end. This is his good and gracious will.
"Give us today our daily bread."
To be sure, God provides daily bread, even to the wicked, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that God may make us aware of his gifts and enable us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread?
Everything required to satisfy our bodily needs, such as food and clothing, house and home, fields and flocks, money and property; a pious spouse and good children, trustworthy servants, godly and faithful rulers, good government; seasonable weather, peace and health, order and honor; true friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
We pray in this petition that our heavenly Father may not look upon our sins, and on their account deny our prayers, for we neither merit nor deserve those things for which we pray. Although we sin daily and deserve nothing but punishment, we nevertheless pray that God may grant us all things by his grace. And assuredly we on our part will heartily forgive and cheerfully do good to those who may sin against us.
"Save us from the time of trial."
God tempts no one to sin, but we pray in this petition that God may so guard and preserve us that the devil, the world, and our flesh mahy not deceive us or mislead us into unbelief, despair, and other great and shameful sins, but that, although we may be so tempted, we may finally prevail and gain the victory.
"And deliver us from evil."
We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Father in heaven may deliver us from all manner of evil, whether it affect body or soul, property or reputation, and that at last, when the hour of death comes, he may grant us a blessed end and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to himself in heaven.
"Amen."
It means that I should be assured that such petitions are acceptable to our heavenly Father and are heard by him, for he himself commanded us to pray like this and promised to hear us. "Amen, amen" means "Yes, yes, it shall be so."
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
What is baptism?
Baptism is not merely water, but it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's Word.
What is this Word of God?
As recorded in Matthew 28:19, our Lord Christ said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?
If effects forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and grants eternal salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.
What is this Word and promise of God?
As recorded in Mark 16:16, our Lord Christ said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned."
How can water produce such great effects?
It is not the water that produces these effects, but the Word of God connected with the water, and our faith which relies on the Word of God connected with the water. For without the Word of God the water is merely water and no Baptism. But when connected with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul wrote to Titus (3:5-8): "He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. This saying is sure."
What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil lusts, should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance and be put to death, and that the new man should come forth daily and rise up, cleansed and righteous, to live forever in God's presence.
Where is this written?
In Romans 6:4, St. Paul wrote: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
What is confession?
Confession consists of two parts. One is that we confess our sins. The other is that we receive absolution or forgiveness from the confessor as from God himself, by no means doubting but firmly believing that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should acknowledge that we are guilty of all manner of sins, even those of which we are not aware, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. Before the confessor, however, we should confess only those sins of which we have knowledge and which trouble us.
What are such sins?
Reflect on your condition in the light of the Ten Commandments: whether you are a father or mother, a son or daughter, a master or servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, lazy, ill-tempered, or quarrelsome; whether you have harmed anyone by word or deed; and whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted anything, or done other evil.
[Here Luther gives two examples of a confession.] . . . Then the confessor shall say: "God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. Amen."
Again he shall say: "Do you believe that the forgiveness I declare is the forgiveness of God?"
Answer: "Yes, I do."
Then he shall say: "Be it done for you as you have believed. According to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace."
A confessor will know additional passages of the Scriptures with which to comfort and to strengthen the faith of those whose consciences are heavily burdened or who are distressed and sorely tried. . . .
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR
What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
Instituted by Jesus Christ himself, it is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and to drink.
Where is this written?
The holy evangelists Matthew, Mark and Luke, and also St. Paul, write thus: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
We are told in the words "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." By these words the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given to us in the sacrament, for where there is forgiveness of sins, there are also life and salvation.
How can bodily eating and drinking produce such great effects?
The eating and drinking do not in themselves produce them, but the words "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." These words, when accompanied by the bodily eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the sacrament, and he who believes these words has what they say and declare: the forgiveness of sins.
Who, then, receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are a good external discipline, but he is truly worthy and well prepared who believes these words: "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." On the other hand, he who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require truly believing hearts.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS
In the morning
. . . when you rise, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then you may say this prayer:
"I give you thanks, heavenly Father, through your dear Son Jesus Christ, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I beseech you to keep me this day, too, from all sin and evil, that in all my thoughts, words and deeds I may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angel have charge of me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen."
After singing a hymn (possibly a hymn on the Ten Commandments) or whatever your devotion may suggest, you should go to your work joyfully.
In the evening
. . . when you retire, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then you may say this prayer:
"I give you thanks, heavenly Father, through your dear Son Jesus Christ, that you have graciously protected me through this day. I beseech you to forgive all my sin and wrong which I have done. Graciously protect me during the coming night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen."
Then quickly lie down and sleep in peace.
GRACE AT TABLE
Blessing before eating
When the children and the whole household gather at the table, they should reverently fold their hands and say:
"The eyes of all look to you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open wide your hand. You satisfy the desire of every living thing."
(It is to be observed that "satisfying the desire of every living thing" means that all creatures receive enough to eat to make them joyful and of good cheer. Greed and anxiety about food prevent such satisfaction.)
Then the Lord's Prayer should be said, and afterwards this prayer:
"Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these your gifts which of you bountiful goodness you have bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Thanksgiving after eating
After eating, likewise, they should fold their hands reverently and say:
"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."
Then the Lord's Prayer should be said, and afterwards this prayer:
"We give you thanks, Lord God, our Father, for all your benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. Amen."
About this testimony
Martin Luther's Small Catechism, 1529, was written to answer the need for a basic exposition of the Christian faith for lay people. It follows the historic form of a catechism, based on explanations of the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer, to which Luther has added sections on Baptism, Confession and the Sacrament of the Altar, along with forms for Morning and Evening Prayer and Grace at Table.
Historically, a catechism was a short course in Christianity to prepare converts for Baptism. "Luther's Small Catechism is often seen as the beginning of catechesis in the modern sense," writes UCC church historian John B. Payne. "It had enormous influence on all subsequent catechisms, both Protestant and Catholic." It entered the UCC tradition as a faith testimony through one of our antecedent churches: the German Evangelical Synod of North America. Other historic creeds and confessions are collected in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, published by the Pilgrim Press and available from United Church Resources at 1-800-325-7061.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/martin-luthers-small.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Martin Luther's Small Catechism: a 'short course' in the Christian faith
The Ten Commandments
The Apostles' Creed
The Lord's Prayer
The Sacrament of Baptism
Confession and Absolution
The Sacrament of the Altar
Morning and Evening Prayers
Grace at Table
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
The First Commandment:
"You shall have no other gods."
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
The Second Commandment:
"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not use his name to curse, swear, practice magic, lie or deceive, but in every time of need call upon him, pray to him, praise him and give him thanks.
The Third Commandment:
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not despise his Word and the preaching of the same, but deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it.
The Fourth Commandment:
"Honor your father and your mother."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not despise our parents and superiors, nor provoke them to anger, but honor, serve, obey, love and esteem them.
The Fifth Commandment:
"You shall not kill."
We should fear and love God, and so we should not endanger our neighbor's life, nor cause him any harm, but help and befriend him in every necessity of life.
The Sixth Commandment:
"You shall not commit adultery."
We should fear and love God, and so we should lead a chaste and pure life in word and deed, each one loving and honoring his wife or her husband.
The Seventh Commandment:
"You shall not steal."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not rob our neighbor of his money or property, nor bring them into our possession by dishonest trade or by dealing in shoddy wares, but help him to improve and protect his income and property.
The Eighth Commandment:
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not tell lies about our neighbor, nor betray, slander or defame him, but should apologize for him, speak well for him, and interpret charitably all that he does.
The Ninth Commandment:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's house."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not seek by craftiness to gain possession of our neighbor's inheritance or home, nor to obtain them under pretext of legal right, but be of service and help to him so that he may keep what is his.
The Tenth Commandment:
"You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
We should love and fear God, and so we should not abduct, estrange or entice away our neighbor's wife, servants or cattle, but encourage them to remain and discharge their duty to him.
What does God declare concerning all these commandments?
He says, "I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments. We should therefore fear his wrath and not disobey these commandments. On the other hand, he promises grace and every blessing to all who keep them. We should therefore love him, trust in him, and cheerfully do what he has commanded.
THE APOSTLES' CREED
The First Article: Creation
"I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth."
I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that he has given me and still sustains my body and soul, all my limbs and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with food and clothing, house and home, family and property; that he provides me daily and abundantly with all the necessities of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me from all evil. All this he does out of his pure, fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on my part. For all of this I am bound to thank, praise, serve and obey him. This is most certainly true.
The Second Article: Redemption
"I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,and he will come to judge the living and the dead."
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, delivered me and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with silver and gold but with his holy and precious blood and with his innocent sufferings and death, in order that I may be his, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
The Third Article: Sanctification
"I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen."
I believe that by my own reason or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church he daily and abundantly forgives all my sins, and the sins of all believers, and on the last day he will raise me and all the dead and will grant eternal life to me and to all who believe in Christ. This is most certainly true.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
"Our Father in heaven."
Here God would encourage us to believe that he is truly our Father and we are truly his children—in order that we may approach him boldly and confidently in prayer, even as beloved children approach their dear father.
"Hallowed be your name."
To be sure, God's name is holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may also be holy for us.
How is this done?
When the Word of God is taught clearly and purely and we, as children of God, lead holy loves in accordance with it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But whoever teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches, profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, heavenly Father!
"Your kingdom come."
To be sure, the kingdom of God comes of itself, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also come to us.
How is this done?
When the heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit so that by his grace we may believe his holy Word and live a godly life, both in time and hereafter forever.
"Your will be done, on earth as in heaven."
To be sure, the good and gracious will of God is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may also be done by us.
How is this done?
When God curbs and destroys every evil counsel and purpose of the devil, of the world, and of our flesh which would hinder us from hallowing his name and prevent the coming of his reign, and when he strengthens us and keeps us steadfast in his Word and in faith even to the end. This is his good and gracious will.
"Give us today our daily bread."
To be sure, God provides daily bread, even to the wicked, without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that God may make us aware of his gifts and enable us to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread?
Everything required to satisfy our bodily needs, such as food and clothing, house and home, fields and flocks, money and property; a pious spouse and good children, trustworthy servants, godly and faithful rulers, good government; seasonable weather, peace and health, order and honor; true friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.
"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
We pray in this petition that our heavenly Father may not look upon our sins, and on their account deny our prayers, for we neither merit nor deserve those things for which we pray. Although we sin daily and deserve nothing but punishment, we nevertheless pray that God may grant us all things by his grace. And assuredly we on our part will heartily forgive and cheerfully do good to those who may sin against us.
"Save us from the time of trial."
God tempts no one to sin, but we pray in this petition that God may so guard and preserve us that the devil, the world, and our flesh mahy not deceive us or mislead us into unbelief, despair, and other great and shameful sins, but that, although we may be so tempted, we may finally prevail and gain the victory.
"And deliver us from evil."
We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Father in heaven may deliver us from all manner of evil, whether it affect body or soul, property or reputation, and that at last, when the hour of death comes, he may grant us a blessed end and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to himself in heaven.
"Amen."
It means that I should be assured that such petitions are acceptable to our heavenly Father and are heard by him, for he himself commanded us to pray like this and promised to hear us. "Amen, amen" means "Yes, yes, it shall be so."
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
What is baptism?
Baptism is not merely water, but it is water used according to God's command and connected with God's Word.
What is this Word of God?
As recorded in Matthew 28:19, our Lord Christ said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
What gifts or benefits does Baptism bestow?
If effects forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and grants eternal salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.
What is this Word and promise of God?
As recorded in Mark 16:16, our Lord Christ said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned."
How can water produce such great effects?
It is not the water that produces these effects, but the Word of God connected with the water, and our faith which relies on the Word of God connected with the water. For without the Word of God the water is merely water and no Baptism. But when connected with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul wrote to Titus (3:5-8): "He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. This saying is sure."
What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil lusts, should be drowned by daily sorrow and repentance and be put to death, and that the new man should come forth daily and rise up, cleansed and righteous, to live forever in God's presence.
Where is this written?
In Romans 6:4, St. Paul wrote: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
What is confession?
Confession consists of two parts. One is that we confess our sins. The other is that we receive absolution or forgiveness from the confessor as from God himself, by no means doubting but firmly believing that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.
What sins should we confess?
Before God we should acknowledge that we are guilty of all manner of sins, even those of which we are not aware, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. Before the confessor, however, we should confess only those sins of which we have knowledge and which trouble us.
What are such sins?
Reflect on your condition in the light of the Ten Commandments: whether you are a father or mother, a son or daughter, a master or servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, lazy, ill-tempered, or quarrelsome; whether you have harmed anyone by word or deed; and whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted anything, or done other evil.
[Here Luther gives two examples of a confession.] . . . Then the confessor shall say: "God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. Amen."
Again he shall say: "Do you believe that the forgiveness I declare is the forgiveness of God?"
Answer: "Yes, I do."
Then he shall say: "Be it done for you as you have believed. According to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace."
A confessor will know additional passages of the Scriptures with which to comfort and to strengthen the faith of those whose consciences are heavily burdened or who are distressed and sorely tried. . . .
THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR
What is the Sacrament of the Altar?
Instituted by Jesus Christ himself, it is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and to drink.
Where is this written?
The holy evangelists Matthew, Mark and Luke, and also St. Paul, write thus: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
We are told in the words "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." By these words the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given to us in the sacrament, for where there is forgiveness of sins, there are also life and salvation.
How can bodily eating and drinking produce such great effects?
The eating and drinking do not in themselves produce them, but the words "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." These words, when accompanied by the bodily eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the sacrament, and he who believes these words has what they say and declare: the forgiveness of sins.
Who, then, receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are a good external discipline, but he is truly worthy and well prepared who believes these words: "for you" and "for the forgiveness of sins." On the other hand, he who does not believe these words, or doubts them, is unworthy and unprepared, for the words "for you" require truly believing hearts.
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS
In the morning
. . . when you rise, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then you may say this prayer:
"I give you thanks, heavenly Father, through your dear Son Jesus Christ, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger. I beseech you to keep me this day, too, from all sin and evil, that in all my thoughts, words and deeds I may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angel have charge of me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen."
After singing a hymn (possibly a hymn on the Ten Commandments) or whatever your devotion may suggest, you should go to your work joyfully.
In the evening
. . . when you retire, make the sign of the cross and say, "In the name of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Then, kneeling or standing, say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then you may say this prayer:
"I give you thanks, heavenly Father, through your dear Son Jesus Christ, that you have graciously protected me through this day. I beseech you to forgive all my sin and wrong which I have done. Graciously protect me during the coming night. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the wicked one may have no power over me. Amen."
Then quickly lie down and sleep in peace.
GRACE AT TABLE
Blessing before eating
When the children and the whole household gather at the table, they should reverently fold their hands and say:
"The eyes of all look to you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open wide your hand. You satisfy the desire of every living thing."
(It is to be observed that "satisfying the desire of every living thing" means that all creatures receive enough to eat to make them joyful and of good cheer. Greed and anxiety about food prevent such satisfaction.)
Then the Lord's Prayer should be said, and afterwards this prayer:
"Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these your gifts which of you bountiful goodness you have bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Thanksgiving after eating
After eating, likewise, they should fold their hands reverently and say:
"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man; but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."
Then the Lord's Prayer should be said, and afterwards this prayer:
"We give you thanks, Lord God, our Father, for all your benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. Amen."
About this testimony
Martin Luther's Small Catechism, 1529, was written to answer the need for a basic exposition of the Christian faith for lay people. It follows the historic form of a catechism, based on explanations of the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer, to which Luther has added sections on Baptism, Confession and the Sacrament of the Altar, along with forms for Morning and Evening Prayer and Grace at Table.
Historically, a catechism was a short course in Christianity to prepare converts for Baptism. "Luther's Small Catechism is often seen as the beginning of catechesis in the modern sense," writes UCC church historian John B. Payne. "It had enormous influence on all subsequent catechisms, both Protestant and Catholic." It entered the UCC tradition as a faith testimony through one of our antecedent churches: the German Evangelical Synod of North America. Other historic creeds and confessions are collected in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, published by the Pilgrim Press and available from United Church Resources at 1-800-325-7061.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Presidential invite
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/martin-luthers-small.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Heidelberg Catechism
Introduction
Of Human Misery
Of Human Redemption
Of God the Father
Of God the Son
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Sacraments
Holy Baptism
The Holy Supper
Gratitude
The Ten Commandments
PRAYER
The Lord's Prayer
Introduction
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I am not my own,
but belong—
body and soul,
in life and in death—
to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven:
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him,
Christ, by his Holy Spirit,
assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
from now on to live for him.
What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?
Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are;
second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery;
third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance
Of Human Misery
How do you come to know your misery??
The law of God tells me.
What does God's law require of us?
Christ teaches us this in summary in Matthew 22—
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart
and with all your soul
and with all your mind
and with all your strength.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
All the Law and the Prophets hang
on these two commandments.
Can you live up to all this perfectly?
No, I have a natural tendency to hate God and my neighbor.
Did God create people so wicked and perverse?
No.
God created them good and in his own image,
that is, in true righteousness and holiness,
so that they might
truly know God their creator,
love him with all their heart,
and live with him in eternal happiness
for his praise and glory.
Then where does this corrupt human nature come from?
From the fall and disobedience of our first parents,
Adam and Eve, in Paradise.
This fall has so poisoned our nature
that we are born sinners—
corrupt from conception on.
But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined toward all evil?
Yes, unless we are born again, by the Spirit of God.
But doesn't God do us an injustice by requiring in his law what we are unable to do?
No, God created humans with the ability to keep the law.
They, however, tempted by the devil,
in reckless disobedience,
robbed themselves and all their descendants of these gifts.
Will God permit such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
Certainly not.
He is terribly angry
about the sin we are born with
as well as the sins we personally commit.
As a just judge
he punishes them now and in eternity.
He has declared:
"Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do
everything written in the Book of the Law."
But isn't God also merciful?
God is certainly merciful,
but he is also just.
His justice demands
that sin, committed against his supreme majesty,
be punished with the supreme penalty—
eternal punishment of body and soul.
Of Human Redemption
According to God's righteous judgment we deserve punishment both in this world and forever after: how then can we escape this punishment and return to God's favor?
God requires that his justice be satisfied.
Therefore the claims of his justice
must be paid in full,
either by ourselves or another.
Can we pay this debt ourselves?
Certainly not. Actually, we increase our guilt every day.
Can another creature—any at all—pay this debt for us?
No.
To begin with,
God will not punish another creature
for what a human is guilty of.
Besides,
no mere creature can bear the weight
of God's eternal anger against sin
and release others from it.
What kind of mediator and deliverer should we look for then?
One who is truly human and truly righteous,
yet more powerful than all creatures,
that is, one who is also true God.
Why must he be truly human and truly righteous?
God's justice demands
that human nature, which has sinned,
must pay for its sin;
but a sinner could never pay for others.
Why must he also be true God?
So that,
by the power of his divinity,
he might bear the weight of God's anger in his humanity
and earn for us
and restore to us
righteousness and life.
And who is this mediator—true God and at the same time truly human and truly righteous?
Our Lord Jesus Christ,
who was given us
to set us completely free
and to make us right with God.
How do you come to know this?
The holy gospel tells me.
God himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise;
later, he proclaimed it
by the holy patriarchs and prophets,
and portrayed it
by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law;
finally, he fulfilled it
through his own dear Son.
Are all saved through Christ just as all were lost through Adam?
No.
Only those are saved
who by true faith
are grafted into Christ
and accept all his blessings.
What is true faith?
True faith is
not only a knowledge and conviction
that everything God reveals in his Word is true;
it is also a deep-rooted assurance,
created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel,
that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ,
not only others, but I too,
have had my sins forgiven,
have been made forever right with God,
and have been granted salvation.
What then must a Christian believe?
Everything God promises us in the gospel.
That gospel is summarized for us
in the articles of our Christian faith—
a creed beyond doubt,
and confessed throughout the world.
What are these articles?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
How are these articles divided?
Into three parts:
God the Father and our creation;
God the Son and our deliverance;
God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
Since there is but one God, why do you speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Because that is how
God has revealed himself in his Word:
these three distinct persons
are one, true, eternal God.
Of God the Father
What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"?
That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who out of nothing created heaven and earth
and everything in them,
who still upholds and rules them
by his eternal counsel and providence,
is my God and Father
because of Christ his Son.
I trust him so much that I do not doubt
he will provide whatever I need
for body and soul,
and he will turn to my good
whatever adversity he sends me
in this sad world.
He is able to do this because he is almighty God;
he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.
What do you understand by the providence of God?
Providence is
the almighty and ever present power of God
by which he upholds, as with his hand,
heaven and earth and all creatures,
and so rules them that
leaf and blade,
rain and drought,
fruitful and lean years,
food and drink,
health and sickness,
prosperity and poverty—
all things, in fact, come to us
not by chance
but from his fatherly hand.
How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
We can be patient when things go against us,
thankful when things go well,
and for the future we can have
good confidence in our faithful God and Father
that nothing will separate us from his love.
All creatures are so completely in his hand
that without his will
they can neither move nor be moved.
Of God the Son
Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," meaning "Savior"?
Because he saves us from our sins.
Salvation cannot be found in anyone else;
it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere.
Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only savior Jesus?
No.
Although they boast of being his,
by their deeds they deny
the only savior and deliverer, Jesus.
Either Jesus is not a perfect savior,
or those who in true faith accept this savior
have in him all they need for their salvation.
Why is he called "Christ," meaning "Anointed"?
Because he has been ordained by God the Father
and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit
to be our chief prophet and teacher
who perfectly reveals to us
the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance;
our only high priest
who has set us free by the one sacrifice of his body,
and who continually pleads our cause with the Father;
and our eternal king
who governs us by his Word and Spirit,
and who guards us and keeps us
in the freedom he has won for us.
But why are you called a Christian?
Because by faith I am a member of Christ
and so I share in his anointing.
I am anointed
to confess his name,
to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks,
to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil
in this life, and afterward
to reign with Christ over all creation
for all eternity.
Why is he called God's "only Son" when we also are God's children
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God.
We, however, are adopted children of God—
adopted by grace through Christ.
Why do you call him "our Lord"?
Because not with gold or silver,
but with his precious blood,
he has set us free
from sin and from the tyranny of the devil,
and has bought us, body and soul,
to be his very own.
What does it mean that he "was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary"?
That the eternal Son of God,
who is and remains true and eternal God,
took to himself,
through the working of the Holy Spirit,
from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,
a truly human nature
so that he might become David's true descendant,
like his brothers and sisters in every way
except for sin.
How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?
He is our mediator,
and with his innocence and perfect holiness
he removes from God's sight
my sin—mine since I was conceived.
What do you understand by the word "suffered"?
That during his whole life on earth,
but especially at the end,
Christ sustained
in body and soul
the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race.
This he did in order that,
by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice,
he might set us free, body and soul,
from eternal condemnation,
and gain for us
God's grace,
righteousness,
and eternal life.
Why did Jesus suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge?
So that he, though innocent,
might be condemned by a civil judge,
and so free us from the severe judgment of God
that was to fall on us.
Is it significant that he was "crucified" instead of dying some other way?
Yes.
This death convinces me
that he shouldered the curse
which lay on me,
since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.
Why did Christ have to go all the way to death?
Because God's justice and truth demand it:
only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.
Why was he "buried"?
His burial testifies that he really died.
Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?
Our death does not pay the debt of our sins.
Rather, it puts an end to our sinning
and is our entrance into eternal life.
What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
Through Christ's death
our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him,
so that the evil desires of the flesh
may no longer rule us,
but that instead we may dedicate ourselves
as an offering of gratitude to him.
Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell?"
To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation
that Christ my Lord,
by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul,
especially on the cross but also earlier,
has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.
How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?
First, by his resurrection he has overcome death,
so that he might make us share in the righteousness
he won for us by his death.
Second, by his power we too
are already now resurrected to a new life.
Third, Christ's resurrection
is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection.
What do you mean by saying, "He ascended to heaven"?
That Christ,
while his disciples watched,
was lifted up from the earth to heaven
and will be there for our good
until he comes again
to judge the living and the dead.
But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?
Christ is truly human and truly God.
In his human nature Christ is not now on earth;
but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit
he is not absent from us for a moment.
If his humanity is not present wherever his divinity is, then aren't the two natures of Christ separated from each other?
Certainly not.
Since divinity is not limited
and is present everywhere,
it is evident that Christ's divinity
is surely beyond the bounds
of the humanity he has taken on,
but at the same time his divinity is in
and remains personally united to
his humanity.
How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?
First, he pleads our cause in heaven
in the presence of his Father.
Second, we have our own flesh in heaven—
a guarantee that Christ our head,
will take us, his members,
to himself in heaven.
Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth
as a further guarantee.
By the Spirit's power
we make the goal of our lives,
not earthly things,
but the things above where Christ is,
sitting at God's right hand.
Why the next words: "and is seated at the right hand of God"?
Christ ascended to heaven,
there to show that he is head of his church,
and that the Father rules all things through him.
How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
First, through his Holy Spirit
he pours out his gifts from heaven
upon us his members.
Second, by his power
he defends us and keeps us safe
from all enemies.
How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?
In all my distress and persecution
I turn my eyes to the heavens
and confidently await as judge the very One
who has already stood trial in my place before God
and so has removed the whole curse from me.
All his enemies and mine
he will condemn to everlasting punishment:
but me and all his chosen ones
he will take along with him
into the joy and the glory of heaven.
The Holy Spirit
What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?
First, he, as well as the Father and the Son,
is eternal God.
Second, he has been given to me personally,
so that, by true faith,
he makes me share in Christ and all his blessings,
comforts me,
and remains with me forever.
What do you believe concerning "the holy catholic church"?
I believe that the Son of God
through his Spirit and Word,
out of the entire human race,
from the beginning of the world to its end,
gathers, protects, and preserves for himself
a community chosen for eternal life
and united in true faith.
And of this community I am and always will be
a living member.
What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?
First, that believers one and all,
as members of this community,
share in Christ
and in all his treasures and gifts.
Second, that each member
should consider it a duty
to use these gifts
readily and cheerfully
for the service and enrichment
of the other members.
What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?
I believe that God,
because of Christ's atonement,
will never hold against me
any of my sins
nor my sinful nature
which I need to struggle against all my life.
Rather, in his grace
God grants me the righteousness of Christ
to free me forever from judgment.
How does "the resurrection of the body" comfort you?
Not only my soul
will be taken immediately after this life
to Christ its head,
but even my very flesh, raised by the power of Christ,
will be reunited with my soul
and made like Christ's glorious body.
How does the article concerning "life everlasting" comfort you?
Even as I already now
experience in my heart
the beginning of eternal joy,
so after this life I will have
perfect blessedness such as
no eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no human heart has ever imagined:
a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.
What good does it do you, however, to believe all this?
In Christ I am right with God
and heir to life everlasting.
How are you right with God?
Only by true faith in Jesus Christ.
Even though my conscience accuses me
of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments
and of never having kept any of them,
and even though I am still inclined toward all evil,
nevertheless,
without my deserving it at all,
out of sheer grace,
God grants and credits to me
the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ,
as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner,
as if I had been as perfectly obedient
as Christ was obedient for me.
All I need to do
is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.
Why do you say that by faith alone you are right with God?
It is not because of any value my faith has
that God is pleased with me.
Only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness
make me right with God.
And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine
in no other way than by faith alone.
Why can't the good we do make us right with God, or at least help make us right with him?
Because the righteousness
which can pass God's scrutiny
must be entirely perfect
and must in every way measure up to the divine law.
Even the very best we do in this life
is imperfect
and stained with sin.
How can you say that the good we do doesn't earn anything, when God promises to reward it in this life and the next?
This reward is not earned;
it is a gift of grace.
But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
No.
It is impossible
for those grafted into Christ by true faith
not to produce fruits of gratitude.
The Holy Sacraments
It is by faith alone that we share in Christ and all his blessings: where then does that faith come from?
The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts
by the preaching of the holy gospel,
and confirms it
through our use of the holy sacraments.
What are sacraments?
Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see.
They were instituted by God so that
by our use of them
he might make us understand more clearly
the promise of the gospel,
and might put his seal on that promise.
And this is God's gospel promise:
to forgive our sins and give us eternal life
by grace alone
because of Christ's one sacrifice
finished on the cross.
Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
Right!
In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us
and through the holy sacraments he assures us
that our entire salvation
rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.
How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?
Two: baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Holy Baptism
How does baptism remind you and assure you that Christ's one sacrifice on the cross is for you personally?
In this way:
Christ instituted this outward washing
and with it gave the promise that,
as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body,
so certainly his blood and his Spirit
wash away my soul's impurity,
in other words, all my sins.
What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?
To be washed with Christ's blood means
that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins
because of Christ's blood
poured out for me in his sacrifice on the cross.
To be washed with Christ's Spirit means
that the Holy Spirit has renewed me
and set me apart to be a member of Christ
so that more and more I become dead to sin
and increasingly live a holy and blameless life.
Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?
In the institution of baptism where he says:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit."
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned."*
This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism
the washing of rebirth and
the washing away of sins.
*Earlier and better manuscripts of Mark 16 omit the words "Whoever believes and is baptized . . . condemned."
Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?
No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.
Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins?
God has good reason for these words.
He wants to teach us that
the blood and Spirit of Christ wash away our sins
just as water washes away dirt from our bodies.
But more important,
he wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign,
that the washing away of our sins spiritually
is as real as physical washing with water.
Should infants, too, be baptized?
Yes.
Infants as well as adults
are in God's covenant and are his people.
They, no less than adults, are promised
the forgiveness of sin through Christ's blood
and the Holy Spirit who produces faith.
Therefore, by baptism, the mark of the covenant,
infants should be received into the Christian church
and should be distinguished from the children
of unbelievers.
This was done in the Old Testament by circumcision,
which was replaced in the New Testament by baptism.
The Holy Supper
How does the Lord's Supper remind you and assure you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all his gifts?
In this way:
Christ has commanded me and all believers
to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup.
With this command he gave this promise:
First,
as surely as I see with my eyes
the bread of the Lord broken for me
and the cup given to me,
so surely
his body was offered and broken for me
and his blood poured out for me
on the cross.
Second,
as surely as
I receive from the hand of the one who serves,
and taste with my mouth
the bread and cup of the Lord,
given me as sure signs of Christ's body and blood,
so surely
he nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life
with his crucified body and poured-out blood.
What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood?
It means
to accept with a believing heart
the entire suffering and death of Christ
and by believing
to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
But it means more.
Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us,
we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body.
And so, although he is in heaven and we are on earth,
we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone.
And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit,
as members of our body are by one soul.
Where does Christ promise to nourish and refresh believers with his body and blood as surely as they eat this broken bread and drink this cup?
In the institution of the Lord's Supper:
"The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed,
took bread, and when he had given thanks,
he broke it and said,
'This is my body, which is for you;
do this in remembrance of me.'
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,
'This cup is the new covenant in my blood;
do this, whenever you drink it,
in remembrance of me.'
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord's death
until he comes."
This promise is repeated by Paul in these words:
"Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks
a participation in the blood of Christ?
And is not the bread that we break
a participation in the body of Christ?
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body,
for we all partake of the one loaf."
Are the bread and wine changed into the real body and blood of Christ?
No.
Just as the water of baptism
is not changed into Christ's blood
and does not itself wash away sins
but is simply God's sign and assurance,
so too the bread of the Lord's Supper
is not changed into the actual body of Christ
even though it is called the body of Christ
in keeping with the nature and language of sacraments.
Why then does Christ call the bread his body and the cup his blood, or the new covenant in his blood? (Paul uses the words, "a participation in Christ's body and blood.")
Christ has good reason for these words.
He wants to teach us that
as bread and wine nourish our temporal life,
so too his crucified body and poured-out blood
truly nourish our souls for eternal life.
But more important,
he wants to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge,
that we, through the Holy Spirit's work,
share in his true body and blood
as surely as our mouths
receive these holy signs in his remembrance,
and that all of his suffering and obedience
are as definitely ours
as if we personally
had suffered and paid for our sins.
How does the Lord's Supper differ from the Roman Catholic Mass?
The Lord's Supper declares to us
that our sins have been completely forgiven
through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ
which he himself finished on the cross once for all.
It also declares to us
that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ,
who with his very body
is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father
where he wants us to worship him.
But the Mass teaches
that the living and the dead
do not have their sins forgiven
through the suffering of Christ
unless Christ is still offered for them daily by the priests.
It also teaches
that Christ is bodily present
in the form of bread and wine
where Christ is therefore to be worshiped.
Thus the Mass is basically
nothing but a denial
of the one sacrifice and suffering of Jesus Christ
and a condemnable idolatry.
Who are to come to the Lord's table?
Those who are displeased with themselves
because of their sins,
but who nevertheless trust
that their sins are pardoned
and that their continuing weakness is covered
by the suffering and death of Christ,
and who also desire more and more
to strengthen their faith
and to lead a better life.
Hypocrites and those who are unrepentant, however,
eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Are those to be admitted to the Lord's Supper who show by what they say and do that they are unbelieving and ungodly?
No, that would dishonor God's covenant
and bring down God's anger upon the entire congregation.
Therefore, according to the instruction of Christ
and his apostles,
the Christian church is duty-bound to exclude such people,
by the official use of the keys of the kingdom,
until they reform their lives.
What are the keys of the kingdom?
The preaching of the holy gospel
and Christian discipline toward repentance.
Both preaching and discipline
open the kingdom of heaven to believers
and close it to unbelievers.
How does preaching the gospel open and close the kingdom of heaven?
According to the command of Christ:
The kingdom of heaven is opened
by proclaiming and publicly declaring
to all believers, each and every one, that,
as often as they accept the gospel promise in true faith,
God, because of what Christ has done,
truly forgives all their sins.
The kingdom of heaven is closed, however,
by proclaiming and publicly declaring
to unbelievers and hypocrites that,
as long as they do not repent,
the anger of God and eternal condemnation
rest on them.
God's judgment, both in this life and in the life to come,
is based on this gospel testimony.
How is the kingdom of heaven closed and opened by Christian discipline?
According to the command of Christ:
Those who, though called Christians,
profess unchristian teachings or live unchristian lives,
and after repeated and loving counsel
refuse to abandon their errors and wickedness,
and after being reported to the church, that is, to its officers,
fail to respond also to their admonition—
such persons the officers exclude
from the Christian fellowship
by withholding the sacraments from them,
and God himself excludes them from the kingdom of Christ.
Such persons,
when promising and demonstrating genuine reform,
are received again
as members of Christ
and of his church.
Gratitude
We have been delivered from our misery by God's grace alone through Christ and not because we have earned it: why then must we still do good?
To be sure, Christ has redeemed us by his blood.
But we do good because
Christ by his Spirit is also renewing us to be like himself,
so that in all our living
we may show that we are thankful to God
for all he has done for us,
and so that he may be praised through us.
And we do good
so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits,
and so that by our godly living
our neighbors may be won over to Christ.
Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent ways?
By no means.
Scripture tells us that
no unchaste person,
no idolater, adulterer, thief,
no covetous person,
no drunkard, slanderer, robber,
or the like
is going to inherit the kingdom of God.
What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?
Two things:
the dying-away of the old self,
and the coming-to-life of the new.
What is the dying-away of the old self?
It is to be genuinely sorry for sin,
to hate it more and more,
and to run away from it.
What is the coming-to-life of the new self?
It is wholehearted joy in God through Christ
and a delight to do every kind of good
as God wants us to.
What do we do that is good?
Only that which
arises out of true faith,
conforms to God's law,
and is done for his glory;
and not that which is based
on what we think is right
or on established human tradition.
The Ten Commandments
What does the Lord say in his law?
God spoke all these words:
The First Commandment:
I am the Lord your God,
who brought you out of Egypt,
out of the land of slavery.
You shall have no other gods before me.
The Second Commandment:
You shall not make for yourself an idol
in the form of anything in heaven above
or on the earth beneath
or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them;
for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,
punishing the children for the sin of the fathers
to the third and fourth generation
of those who hate me,
but showing love to a thousand generations of those
who love me and keep my commandments.
The Third Commandment:
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,
for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless
who misuses his name.
The Fourth Commandment:
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
On it you shall not do any work,
neither you, nor your son or daughter,
nor your manservant or maidservant,
nor your animals,
nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the Lord made
the heavens and the earth, the sea,
and all that is in them,
but he rested on the seventh day.
Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day
and made it holy.
The Fifth Commandment:
Honor your father and your mother,
so that you may live long
in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
The Sixth Commandment:
You shall not murder.
The Seventh Commandment:
You shall not commit adultery.
The Eighth Commandment:
You shall not steal.
The Ninth Commandment:
You shall not give false testimony
against your neighbor.
The Tenth Commandment:
You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife,
or his manservant or maidservant,
his ox or donkey,
or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
How are these commandments divided?
Into two tables.
The first has four commandments,
teaching us what our relation to God should be.
The second has six commandments,
teaching us what we owe our neighbor.
What does the Lord require in the first commandment?
That I, not wanting to endanger my very salvation,
avoid and shun
all idolatry, magic, superstitious rites,
and prayer to saints or to other creatures.
That I sincerely acknowledge the only true God,
trust him alone,
look to him for every good thing
humbly and patiently,
love him, fear him, and honor him
with all my heart.
In short,
that I give up anything
rather than go against his will in any way.
What is idolatry?
Idolatry is
having or inventing something in which one trusts
in place of or alongside of the only true God,
who has revealed himself in his Word.
What is God's will for us in the second commandment?
That we in no way make any image of God
nor worship him in any other way
than he has commanded in his Word.
May we then not make any image at all?
God can not and may not
be visibly portrayed in any way.
Although creatures may be portrayed,
yet God forbids making or having such images
if one's intention is to worship them
or to serve God through them.
But may not images be permitted in the churches as teaching aids for the unlearned?
No, we shouldn't try to be wiser than God.
He wants his people instructed
by the living preaching of his Word—
not by idols that cannot even talk.
What is God's will for us in the third commandment?
That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God
by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths,
nor share in such horrible sins
by being silent bystanders.
In a word, it requires
that we use the holy name of God
only with reverence and awe,
so that we may properly
confess him,
pray to him,
and praise him in everything we do and say.
Is blasphemy of God's name by swearing and cursing really such serious sin that God is angry also with those who do not do all they can to help prevent it and forbid it?
Yes, indeed.
No sin is greater,
no sin makes God more angry
than blaspheming his name.
That is why he commanded the death penalty for it.
But may we swear an oath in God's name if we do it reverently?
Yes, when the government demands it,
or when necessity requires it,
in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness
for God's glory and our neighbor's good.
Such oaths are approved in God's Word
and were rightly used by Old and New Testament believers.
May we swear by saints or other creatures?
No.
A legitimate oath means calling upon God
as the one who knows my heart
to witness to my truthfulness
and to punish me if I swear falsely.
No creature is worthy of such honor.
What is God's will for you in the fourth commandment?
First,
that the gospel ministry and education for it be maintained,
and that, especially on the festive day of rest,
I regularly attend the assembly of God's people
to learn what God's Word teaches,
to participate in the sacraments,
to pray to God publicly,
and to bring Christian offerings for the poor.
Second,
that every day of my life
I rest from my evil ways,
let the Lord work in me through his Spirit,
and so begin already in this life
the eternal Sabbath.
What is God's will for you in the fifth commandment?
That I honor, love, and be loyal to
my father and mother
and all those in authority over me;
that I obey and submit to them, as is proper,
when they correct and punish me;
and also that I be patient with their failings— for through them God chooses to rule us.
What is God's will for you in the sixth commandment?
I am not to belittle, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor—
not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture,
and certainly not by actual deeds—
and I am not to be party to this in others;
rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge.
I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either.
Prevention of murder is also why
government is armed with the sword.
Does this commandment refer only to killing?
By forbidding murder God teaches us
that he hates the root of murder:
envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness.
In God's sight all such are murder.
Is it enough then that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?
No.
By condemning envy, hatred, and anger
God tells us
to love our neighbors as ourselves,
to be patient, peace-loving, gentle,
merciful, and friendly to them,
to protect them from harm as much as we can,
and to do good even to our enemies.
What is God's will for us in the seventh commandment?
God condemns all unchastity.
We should therefore thoroughly detest it
and, married or single,
live decent and chaste lives.
Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery?
We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul,
and God wants both to be kept clean and holy.
That is why he forbids
everything which incites unchastity,
whether it be actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires.
What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
He forbids not only outright theft and robbery,
punishable by law.
But in God's sight theft also includes
cheating and swindling our neighbor
by schemes made to appear legitimate,
such as:
inaccurate measurements of weight, size, or volume;
fraudulent merchandising;
counterfeit money;
excessive interest;
or any other means forbidden by God.
In addition he forbids all greed
and pointless squandering of his gifts.
What does God require of you in this commandment?
That I do whatever I can
for my neighbor's good,
that I treat others
as I would like them to treat me,
and that I work faithfully
so that I may share with those in need.
What is God's will for you in the ninth commandment?
God's will is that I
never give false testimony against anyone,
twist no one's words,
not gossip or slander,
nor join in condemning anyone
without a hearing or without a just cause.
Rather, in court and everywhere else,
I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind;
these are devices the devil himself uses,
and they would call down on me God's intense anger.
I should love the truth,
speak it candidly,
and openly acknowledge it.
And I should do what I can
to guard and advance my neighbor's good name.
What is God's will for you in the tenth commandment?
That not even the slightest thought or desire
contrary to any one of God's commandments
should ever arise in my heart.
Rather, with all my heart
I should always hate sin
and take pleasure in whatever is right.
But can those converted to God obey these commandments perfectly?
No.
In this life even the holiest
have only a small beginning of this obedience.
Nevertheless, with all seriousness of purpose,
they do begin to live
according to all, not only some,
of God's commandments.
No one in this life can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly: why then does God want them preached so pointedly?
First, so that the longer we live
the more we may come to know our sinfulness
and the more eagerly look to Christ
for forgiveness of sins and righteousness.
Second, so that,
while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit,
we may never stop striving
to be renewed more and more after God's image,
until after this life we reach our goal:
perfection.
Prayer
Why do Christians need to pray?
Because prayer is the most important part
of the thankfulness God requires of us.
And also because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit
only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly,
asking God for these gifts
and thanking him for them.
How does God want us to pray so that he will listen to us?
First, we must pray from the heart
to no other than the one true God,
who has revealed himself in his Word,
asking for everything he has commanded us to ask for.
Second, we must acknowledge our need and misery,
hiding nothing,
and humble ourselves in his majestic presence.
Third, we must rest on this unshakable foundation:
even though we do not deserve it,
God will surely listen to our prayer
because of Christ our Lord.
That is what he promised us in his Word.
What did God command us to pray for?
Everything we need, spiritually and physically,
as embraced in the prayer
Christ our Lord himself taught us.
What is this prayer?
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.*
*Earlier and better manuscripts of Matthew 6 omit the words "For yours is . . . Amen
Why did Christ command us to call God "our Father"?
At the very beginning of our prayer
Christ wants to kindle in us
what is basic to our prayer—
the childlike awe and trust
that God through Christ has become
our Father.
Our fathers do not refuse us
the things of this life;
God our Father will even less refuse to give us
what we ask in faith.
Why the words "in heaven"?
These words teach us
not to think of God's heavenly majesty
as something earthly,
and to expect everything
for body and soul
from his almighty power.
What does the first request mean?
"Hallowed be your name" means,
Help us to really know you,
to bless, worship, and praise you
for all your works
and for all that shines forth from them:
your almighty power, wisdom, kindness,
justice, mercy, and truth.
And it means,
Help us to direct all our living—
what we think, say, and do—
so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us
but always honored and praised.
What does the second request mean?
"Your kingdom come" means,
Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way
that more and more we submit to you.
Keep your church strong, and add to it.
Destroy the devil's work;
destroy every force which revolts against you
and every conspiracy against your Word.
Do this until your kingdom is so complete and perfect
that in it you are
all in all.
What does the third request mean?
"Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" means,
Help us and all people
to reject our own wills
and to obey your will without any back talk.
Your will alone is good.
Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to,
as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.
What does the fourth request mean?
"Give us today our daily bread" means,
Do take care of all our physical needs
so that we come to know
that you are the only source of everything good,
and that neither our work and worry
nor your gifts
can do us any good without your blessing.
And so help us to give up our trust in creatures
and to put trust in you alone.
What does the fifth request mean?
"Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors" means,
Because of Christ's blood,
do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are,
any of the sins we do
or the evil that constantly clings to us.
Forgive us just as we are fully determined,
as evidence of your grace in us,
to forgive our neighbors.
What does the sixth request mean?
"And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one" means,
By ourselves we are too weak
to hold our own even for a moment.
And our sworn enemies—
the devil, the world, and our own flesh—
never stop attacking us.
And so, Lord,
uphold us and make us strong
with the strength of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may not go down to defeat
in this spiritual struggle,
but may firmly resist our enemies
until we finally win the complete victory.
What does your conclusion to this prayer mean?
"For yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever" means,
We have made all these requests of you
because, as our all-powerful king,
you not only want to,
but are able to give us all that is good;
and because your holy name,
and not we ourselves,
should receive all the praise, forever.
What does that little word "Amen" express?
"Amen" means,
This is sure to be!
It is even more sure
that God listens to my prayer,
than that I really desire
what I pray for.
About this testimony
The Heidelberg Catechism was published in the German university town of Heidelberg in 1563, a year before the death of the Reformer John Calvin who inspired its core testimony: that God does not abandon humanity to death but in sovereign freedom restores the broken relationship between God and God's children. The center of this drama is Jesus Christ. In the words of the 20th-century theologian Karl Barth (quoting a German hymn), the message of the Heidelberg Catechism is: "Get out of the way, you spirits of sadness, for Christ the sovereign of joy is coming in!" The Catechism was widely used in the Reformed Church in the United States—one of our antecedent denominations—and is still held in high regard by all churches of the Reformed tradition.
We are able to publish this contemporary version of the Heidelberg Catechism through the courtesy of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Another CRC website includes a study plan for the catechism organized according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Other ancient creeds and testimonies of the faith are collected in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, published by the Pilgrim Press and available from United Church Resources at 800-325-7061.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Subscribe to Stillspeaking Magazine
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/heidelberg-catechism.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
Home > Beliefs
Heidelberg Catechism
Introduction
Of Human Misery
Of Human Redemption
Of God the Father
Of God the Son
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Sacraments
Holy Baptism
The Holy Supper
Gratitude
The Ten Commandments
PRAYER
The Lord's Prayer
Introduction
What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I am not my own,
but belong—
body and soul,
in life and in death—
to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven:
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him,
Christ, by his Holy Spirit,
assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
from now on to live for him.
What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?
Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are;
second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery;
third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance
Of Human Misery
How do you come to know your misery??
The law of God tells me.
What does God's law require of us?
Christ teaches us this in summary in Matthew 22—
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart
and with all your soul
and with all your mind
and with all your strength.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it:
Love your neighbor as yourself.
All the Law and the Prophets hang
on these two commandments.
Can you live up to all this perfectly?
No, I have a natural tendency to hate God and my neighbor.
Did God create people so wicked and perverse?
No.
God created them good and in his own image,
that is, in true righteousness and holiness,
so that they might
truly know God their creator,
love him with all their heart,
and live with him in eternal happiness
for his praise and glory.
Then where does this corrupt human nature come from?
From the fall and disobedience of our first parents,
Adam and Eve, in Paradise.
This fall has so poisoned our nature
that we are born sinners—
corrupt from conception on.
But are we so corrupt that we are totally unable to do any good and inclined toward all evil?
Yes, unless we are born again, by the Spirit of God.
But doesn't God do us an injustice by requiring in his law what we are unable to do?
No, God created humans with the ability to keep the law.
They, however, tempted by the devil,
in reckless disobedience,
robbed themselves and all their descendants of these gifts.
Will God permit such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?
Certainly not.
He is terribly angry
about the sin we are born with
as well as the sins we personally commit.
As a just judge
he punishes them now and in eternity.
He has declared:
"Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do
everything written in the Book of the Law."
But isn't God also merciful?
God is certainly merciful,
but he is also just.
His justice demands
that sin, committed against his supreme majesty,
be punished with the supreme penalty—
eternal punishment of body and soul.
Of Human Redemption
According to God's righteous judgment we deserve punishment both in this world and forever after: how then can we escape this punishment and return to God's favor?
God requires that his justice be satisfied.
Therefore the claims of his justice
must be paid in full,
either by ourselves or another.
Can we pay this debt ourselves?
Certainly not. Actually, we increase our guilt every day.
Can another creature—any at all—pay this debt for us?
No.
To begin with,
God will not punish another creature
for what a human is guilty of.
Besides,
no mere creature can bear the weight
of God's eternal anger against sin
and release others from it.
What kind of mediator and deliverer should we look for then?
One who is truly human and truly righteous,
yet more powerful than all creatures,
that is, one who is also true God.
Why must he be truly human and truly righteous?
God's justice demands
that human nature, which has sinned,
must pay for its sin;
but a sinner could never pay for others.
Why must he also be true God?
So that,
by the power of his divinity,
he might bear the weight of God's anger in his humanity
and earn for us
and restore to us
righteousness and life.
And who is this mediator—true God and at the same time truly human and truly righteous?
Our Lord Jesus Christ,
who was given us
to set us completely free
and to make us right with God.
How do you come to know this?
The holy gospel tells me.
God himself began to reveal the gospel already in Paradise;
later, he proclaimed it
by the holy patriarchs and prophets,
and portrayed it
by the sacrifices and other ceremonies of the law;
finally, he fulfilled it
through his own dear Son.
Are all saved through Christ just as all were lost through Adam?
No.
Only those are saved
who by true faith
are grafted into Christ
and accept all his blessings.
What is true faith?
True faith is
not only a knowledge and conviction
that everything God reveals in his Word is true;
it is also a deep-rooted assurance,
created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel,
that, out of sheer grace earned for us by Christ,
not only others, but I too,
have had my sins forgiven,
have been made forever right with God,
and have been granted salvation.
What then must a Christian believe?
Everything God promises us in the gospel.
That gospel is summarized for us
in the articles of our Christian faith—
a creed beyond doubt,
and confessed throughout the world.
What are these articles?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
How are these articles divided?
Into three parts:
God the Father and our creation;
God the Son and our deliverance;
God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
Since there is but one God, why do you speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Because that is how
God has revealed himself in his Word:
these three distinct persons
are one, true, eternal God.
Of God the Father
What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"?
That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who out of nothing created heaven and earth
and everything in them,
who still upholds and rules them
by his eternal counsel and providence,
is my God and Father
because of Christ his Son.
I trust him so much that I do not doubt
he will provide whatever I need
for body and soul,
and he will turn to my good
whatever adversity he sends me
in this sad world.
He is able to do this because he is almighty God;
he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.
What do you understand by the providence of God?
Providence is
the almighty and ever present power of God
by which he upholds, as with his hand,
heaven and earth and all creatures,
and so rules them that
leaf and blade,
rain and drought,
fruitful and lean years,
food and drink,
health and sickness,
prosperity and poverty—
all things, in fact, come to us
not by chance
but from his fatherly hand.
How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
We can be patient when things go against us,
thankful when things go well,
and for the future we can have
good confidence in our faithful God and Father
that nothing will separate us from his love.
All creatures are so completely in his hand
that without his will
they can neither move nor be moved.
Of God the Son
Why is the Son of God called "Jesus," meaning "Savior"?
Because he saves us from our sins.
Salvation cannot be found in anyone else;
it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere.
Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only savior Jesus?
No.
Although they boast of being his,
by their deeds they deny
the only savior and deliverer, Jesus.
Either Jesus is not a perfect savior,
or those who in true faith accept this savior
have in him all they need for their salvation.
Why is he called "Christ," meaning "Anointed"?
Because he has been ordained by God the Father
and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit
to be our chief prophet and teacher
who perfectly reveals to us
the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance;
our only high priest
who has set us free by the one sacrifice of his body,
and who continually pleads our cause with the Father;
and our eternal king
who governs us by his Word and Spirit,
and who guards us and keeps us
in the freedom he has won for us.
But why are you called a Christian?
Because by faith I am a member of Christ
and so I share in his anointing.
I am anointed
to confess his name,
to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks,
to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil
in this life, and afterward
to reign with Christ over all creation
for all eternity.
Why is he called God's "only Son" when we also are God's children
Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God.
We, however, are adopted children of God—
adopted by grace through Christ.
Why do you call him "our Lord"?
Because not with gold or silver,
but with his precious blood,
he has set us free
from sin and from the tyranny of the devil,
and has bought us, body and soul,
to be his very own.
What does it mean that he "was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary"?
That the eternal Son of God,
who is and remains true and eternal God,
took to himself,
through the working of the Holy Spirit,
from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary,
a truly human nature
so that he might become David's true descendant,
like his brothers and sisters in every way
except for sin.
How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?
He is our mediator,
and with his innocence and perfect holiness
he removes from God's sight
my sin—mine since I was conceived.
What do you understand by the word "suffered"?
That during his whole life on earth,
but especially at the end,
Christ sustained
in body and soul
the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race.
This he did in order that,
by his suffering as the only atoning sacrifice,
he might set us free, body and soul,
from eternal condemnation,
and gain for us
God's grace,
righteousness,
and eternal life.
Why did Jesus suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge?
So that he, though innocent,
might be condemned by a civil judge,
and so free us from the severe judgment of God
that was to fall on us.
Is it significant that he was "crucified" instead of dying some other way?
Yes.
This death convinces me
that he shouldered the curse
which lay on me,
since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.
Why did Christ have to go all the way to death?
Because God's justice and truth demand it:
only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.
Why was he "buried"?
His burial testifies that he really died.
Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?
Our death does not pay the debt of our sins.
Rather, it puts an end to our sinning
and is our entrance into eternal life.
What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
Through Christ's death
our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with him,
so that the evil desires of the flesh
may no longer rule us,
but that instead we may dedicate ourselves
as an offering of gratitude to him.
Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell?"
To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation
that Christ my Lord,
by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul,
especially on the cross but also earlier,
has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.
How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?
First, by his resurrection he has overcome death,
so that he might make us share in the righteousness
he won for us by his death.
Second, by his power we too
are already now resurrected to a new life.
Third, Christ's resurrection
is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection.
What do you mean by saying, "He ascended to heaven"?
That Christ,
while his disciples watched,
was lifted up from the earth to heaven
and will be there for our good
until he comes again
to judge the living and the dead.
But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?
Christ is truly human and truly God.
In his human nature Christ is not now on earth;
but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit
he is not absent from us for a moment.
If his humanity is not present wherever his divinity is, then aren't the two natures of Christ separated from each other?
Certainly not.
Since divinity is not limited
and is present everywhere,
it is evident that Christ's divinity
is surely beyond the bounds
of the humanity he has taken on,
but at the same time his divinity is in
and remains personally united to
his humanity.
How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?
First, he pleads our cause in heaven
in the presence of his Father.
Second, we have our own flesh in heaven—
a guarantee that Christ our head,
will take us, his members,
to himself in heaven.
Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth
as a further guarantee.
By the Spirit's power
we make the goal of our lives,
not earthly things,
but the things above where Christ is,
sitting at God's right hand.
Why the next words: "and is seated at the right hand of God"?
Christ ascended to heaven,
there to show that he is head of his church,
and that the Father rules all things through him.
How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
First, through his Holy Spirit
he pours out his gifts from heaven
upon us his members.
Second, by his power
he defends us and keeps us safe
from all enemies.
How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?
In all my distress and persecution
I turn my eyes to the heavens
and confidently await as judge the very One
who has already stood trial in my place before God
and so has removed the whole curse from me.
All his enemies and mine
he will condemn to everlasting punishment:
but me and all his chosen ones
he will take along with him
into the joy and the glory of heaven.
The Holy Spirit
What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?
First, he, as well as the Father and the Son,
is eternal God.
Second, he has been given to me personally,
so that, by true faith,
he makes me share in Christ and all his blessings,
comforts me,
and remains with me forever.
What do you believe concerning "the holy catholic church"?
I believe that the Son of God
through his Spirit and Word,
out of the entire human race,
from the beginning of the world to its end,
gathers, protects, and preserves for himself
a community chosen for eternal life
and united in true faith.
And of this community I am and always will be
a living member.
What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?
First, that believers one and all,
as members of this community,
share in Christ
and in all his treasures and gifts.
Second, that each member
should consider it a duty
to use these gifts
readily and cheerfully
for the service and enrichment
of the other members.
What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?
I believe that God,
because of Christ's atonement,
will never hold against me
any of my sins
nor my sinful nature
which I need to struggle against all my life.
Rather, in his grace
God grants me the righteousness of Christ
to free me forever from judgment.
How does "the resurrection of the body" comfort you?
Not only my soul
will be taken immediately after this life
to Christ its head,
but even my very flesh, raised by the power of Christ,
will be reunited with my soul
and made like Christ's glorious body.
How does the article concerning "life everlasting" comfort you?
Even as I already now
experience in my heart
the beginning of eternal joy,
so after this life I will have
perfect blessedness such as
no eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no human heart has ever imagined:
a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.
What good does it do you, however, to believe all this?
In Christ I am right with God
and heir to life everlasting.
How are you right with God?
Only by true faith in Jesus Christ.
Even though my conscience accuses me
of having grievously sinned against all God's commandments
and of never having kept any of them,
and even though I am still inclined toward all evil,
nevertheless,
without my deserving it at all,
out of sheer grace,
God grants and credits to me
the perfect satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ,
as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner,
as if I had been as perfectly obedient
as Christ was obedient for me.
All I need to do
is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.
Why do you say that by faith alone you are right with God?
It is not because of any value my faith has
that God is pleased with me.
Only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness
make me right with God.
And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine
in no other way than by faith alone.
Why can't the good we do make us right with God, or at least help make us right with him?
Because the righteousness
which can pass God's scrutiny
must be entirely perfect
and must in every way measure up to the divine law.
Even the very best we do in this life
is imperfect
and stained with sin.
How can you say that the good we do doesn't earn anything, when God promises to reward it in this life and the next?
This reward is not earned;
it is a gift of grace.
But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
No.
It is impossible
for those grafted into Christ by true faith
not to produce fruits of gratitude.
The Holy Sacraments
It is by faith alone that we share in Christ and all his blessings: where then does that faith come from?
The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts
by the preaching of the holy gospel,
and confirms it
through our use of the holy sacraments.
What are sacraments?
Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see.
They were instituted by God so that
by our use of them
he might make us understand more clearly
the promise of the gospel,
and might put his seal on that promise.
And this is God's gospel promise:
to forgive our sins and give us eternal life
by grace alone
because of Christ's one sacrifice
finished on the cross.
Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
Right!
In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us
and through the holy sacraments he assures us
that our entire salvation
rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.
How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?
Two: baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Holy Baptism
How does baptism remind you and assure you that Christ's one sacrifice on the cross is for you personally?
In this way:
Christ instituted this outward washing
and with it gave the promise that,
as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body,
so certainly his blood and his Spirit
wash away my soul's impurity,
in other words, all my sins.
What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?
To be washed with Christ's blood means
that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins
because of Christ's blood
poured out for me in his sacrifice on the cross.
To be washed with Christ's Spirit means
that the Holy Spirit has renewed me
and set me apart to be a member of Christ
so that more and more I become dead to sin
and increasingly live a holy and blameless life.
Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?
In the institution of baptism where he says:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit."
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,
but whoever does not believe will be condemned."*
This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism
the washing of rebirth and
the washing away of sins.
*Earlier and better manuscripts of Mark 16 omit the words "Whoever believes and is baptized . . . condemned."
Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?
No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.
Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins?
God has good reason for these words.
He wants to teach us that
the blood and Spirit of Christ wash away our sins
just as water washes away dirt from our bodies.
But more important,
he wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign,
that the washing away of our sins spiritually
is as real as physical washing with water.
Should infants, too, be baptized?
Yes.
Infants as well as adults
are in God's covenant and are his people.
They, no less than adults, are promised
the forgiveness of sin through Christ's blood
and the Holy Spirit who produces faith.
Therefore, by baptism, the mark of the covenant,
infants should be received into the Christian church
and should be distinguished from the children
of unbelievers.
This was done in the Old Testament by circumcision,
which was replaced in the New Testament by baptism.
The Holy Supper
How does the Lord's Supper remind you and assure you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all his gifts?
In this way:
Christ has commanded me and all believers
to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup.
With this command he gave this promise:
First,
as surely as I see with my eyes
the bread of the Lord broken for me
and the cup given to me,
so surely
his body was offered and broken for me
and his blood poured out for me
on the cross.
Second,
as surely as
I receive from the hand of the one who serves,
and taste with my mouth
the bread and cup of the Lord,
given me as sure signs of Christ's body and blood,
so surely
he nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life
with his crucified body and poured-out blood.
What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood?
It means
to accept with a believing heart
the entire suffering and death of Christ
and by believing
to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
But it means more.
Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us,
we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body.
And so, although he is in heaven and we are on earth,
we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone.
And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit,
as members of our body are by one soul.
Where does Christ promise to nourish and refresh believers with his body and blood as surely as they eat this broken bread and drink this cup?
In the institution of the Lord's Supper:
"The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed,
took bread, and when he had given thanks,
he broke it and said,
'This is my body, which is for you;
do this in remembrance of me.'
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,
'This cup is the new covenant in my blood;
do this, whenever you drink it,
in remembrance of me.'
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord's death
until he comes."
This promise is repeated by Paul in these words:
"Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks
a participation in the blood of Christ?
And is not the bread that we break
a participation in the body of Christ?
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body,
for we all partake of the one loaf."
Are the bread and wine changed into the real body and blood of Christ?
No.
Just as the water of baptism
is not changed into Christ's blood
and does not itself wash away sins
but is simply God's sign and assurance,
so too the bread of the Lord's Supper
is not changed into the actual body of Christ
even though it is called the body of Christ
in keeping with the nature and language of sacraments.
Why then does Christ call the bread his body and the cup his blood, or the new covenant in his blood? (Paul uses the words, "a participation in Christ's body and blood.")
Christ has good reason for these words.
He wants to teach us that
as bread and wine nourish our temporal life,
so too his crucified body and poured-out blood
truly nourish our souls for eternal life.
But more important,
he wants to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge,
that we, through the Holy Spirit's work,
share in his true body and blood
as surely as our mouths
receive these holy signs in his remembrance,
and that all of his suffering and obedience
are as definitely ours
as if we personally
had suffered and paid for our sins.
How does the Lord's Supper differ from the Roman Catholic Mass?
The Lord's Supper declares to us
that our sins have been completely forgiven
through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ
which he himself finished on the cross once for all.
It also declares to us
that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ,
who with his very body
is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father
where he wants us to worship him.
But the Mass teaches
that the living and the dead
do not have their sins forgiven
through the suffering of Christ
unless Christ is still offered for them daily by the priests.
It also teaches
that Christ is bodily present
in the form of bread and wine
where Christ is therefore to be worshiped.
Thus the Mass is basically
nothing but a denial
of the one sacrifice and suffering of Jesus Christ
and a condemnable idolatry.
Who are to come to the Lord's table?
Those who are displeased with themselves
because of their sins,
but who nevertheless trust
that their sins are pardoned
and that their continuing weakness is covered
by the suffering and death of Christ,
and who also desire more and more
to strengthen their faith
and to lead a better life.
Hypocrites and those who are unrepentant, however,
eat and drink judgment on themselves.
Are those to be admitted to the Lord's Supper who show by what they say and do that they are unbelieving and ungodly?
No, that would dishonor God's covenant
and bring down God's anger upon the entire congregation.
Therefore, according to the instruction of Christ
and his apostles,
the Christian church is duty-bound to exclude such people,
by the official use of the keys of the kingdom,
until they reform their lives.
What are the keys of the kingdom?
The preaching of the holy gospel
and Christian discipline toward repentance.
Both preaching and discipline
open the kingdom of heaven to believers
and close it to unbelievers.
How does preaching the gospel open and close the kingdom of heaven?
According to the command of Christ:
The kingdom of heaven is opened
by proclaiming and publicly declaring
to all believers, each and every one, that,
as often as they accept the gospel promise in true faith,
God, because of what Christ has done,
truly forgives all their sins.
The kingdom of heaven is closed, however,
by proclaiming and publicly declaring
to unbelievers and hypocrites that,
as long as they do not repent,
the anger of God and eternal condemnation
rest on them.
God's judgment, both in this life and in the life to come,
is based on this gospel testimony.
How is the kingdom of heaven closed and opened by Christian discipline?
According to the command of Christ:
Those who, though called Christians,
profess unchristian teachings or live unchristian lives,
and after repeated and loving counsel
refuse to abandon their errors and wickedness,
and after being reported to the church, that is, to its officers,
fail to respond also to their admonition—
such persons the officers exclude
from the Christian fellowship
by withholding the sacraments from them,
and God himself excludes them from the kingdom of Christ.
Such persons,
when promising and demonstrating genuine reform,
are received again
as members of Christ
and of his church.
Gratitude
We have been delivered from our misery by God's grace alone through Christ and not because we have earned it: why then must we still do good?
To be sure, Christ has redeemed us by his blood.
But we do good because
Christ by his Spirit is also renewing us to be like himself,
so that in all our living
we may show that we are thankful to God
for all he has done for us,
and so that he may be praised through us.
And we do good
so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits,
and so that by our godly living
our neighbors may be won over to Christ.
Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent ways?
By no means.
Scripture tells us that
no unchaste person,
no idolater, adulterer, thief,
no covetous person,
no drunkard, slanderer, robber,
or the like
is going to inherit the kingdom of God.
What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?
Two things:
the dying-away of the old self,
and the coming-to-life of the new.
What is the dying-away of the old self?
It is to be genuinely sorry for sin,
to hate it more and more,
and to run away from it.
What is the coming-to-life of the new self?
It is wholehearted joy in God through Christ
and a delight to do every kind of good
as God wants us to.
What do we do that is good?
Only that which
arises out of true faith,
conforms to God's law,
and is done for his glory;
and not that which is based
on what we think is right
or on established human tradition.
The Ten Commandments
What does the Lord say in his law?
God spoke all these words:
The First Commandment:
I am the Lord your God,
who brought you out of Egypt,
out of the land of slavery.
You shall have no other gods before me.
The Second Commandment:
You shall not make for yourself an idol
in the form of anything in heaven above
or on the earth beneath
or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them;
for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,
punishing the children for the sin of the fathers
to the third and fourth generation
of those who hate me,
but showing love to a thousand generations of those
who love me and keep my commandments.
The Third Commandment:
You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,
for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless
who misuses his name.
The Fourth Commandment:
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
On it you shall not do any work,
neither you, nor your son or daughter,
nor your manservant or maidservant,
nor your animals,
nor the alien within your gates.
For in six days the Lord made
the heavens and the earth, the sea,
and all that is in them,
but he rested on the seventh day.
Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day
and made it holy.
The Fifth Commandment:
Honor your father and your mother,
so that you may live long
in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
The Sixth Commandment:
You shall not murder.
The Seventh Commandment:
You shall not commit adultery.
The Eighth Commandment:
You shall not steal.
The Ninth Commandment:
You shall not give false testimony
against your neighbor.
The Tenth Commandment:
You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife,
or his manservant or maidservant,
his ox or donkey,
or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
How are these commandments divided?
Into two tables.
The first has four commandments,
teaching us what our relation to God should be.
The second has six commandments,
teaching us what we owe our neighbor.
What does the Lord require in the first commandment?
That I, not wanting to endanger my very salvation,
avoid and shun
all idolatry, magic, superstitious rites,
and prayer to saints or to other creatures.
That I sincerely acknowledge the only true God,
trust him alone,
look to him for every good thing
humbly and patiently,
love him, fear him, and honor him
with all my heart.
In short,
that I give up anything
rather than go against his will in any way.
What is idolatry?
Idolatry is
having or inventing something in which one trusts
in place of or alongside of the only true God,
who has revealed himself in his Word.
What is God's will for us in the second commandment?
That we in no way make any image of God
nor worship him in any other way
than he has commanded in his Word.
May we then not make any image at all?
God can not and may not
be visibly portrayed in any way.
Although creatures may be portrayed,
yet God forbids making or having such images
if one's intention is to worship them
or to serve God through them.
But may not images be permitted in the churches as teaching aids for the unlearned?
No, we shouldn't try to be wiser than God.
He wants his people instructed
by the living preaching of his Word—
not by idols that cannot even talk.
What is God's will for us in the third commandment?
That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God
by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths,
nor share in such horrible sins
by being silent bystanders.
In a word, it requires
that we use the holy name of God
only with reverence and awe,
so that we may properly
confess him,
pray to him,
and praise him in everything we do and say.
Is blasphemy of God's name by swearing and cursing really such serious sin that God is angry also with those who do not do all they can to help prevent it and forbid it?
Yes, indeed.
No sin is greater,
no sin makes God more angry
than blaspheming his name.
That is why he commanded the death penalty for it.
But may we swear an oath in God's name if we do it reverently?
Yes, when the government demands it,
or when necessity requires it,
in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness
for God's glory and our neighbor's good.
Such oaths are approved in God's Word
and were rightly used by Old and New Testament believers.
May we swear by saints or other creatures?
No.
A legitimate oath means calling upon God
as the one who knows my heart
to witness to my truthfulness
and to punish me if I swear falsely.
No creature is worthy of such honor.
What is God's will for you in the fourth commandment?
First,
that the gospel ministry and education for it be maintained,
and that, especially on the festive day of rest,
I regularly attend the assembly of God's people
to learn what God's Word teaches,
to participate in the sacraments,
to pray to God publicly,
and to bring Christian offerings for the poor.
Second,
that every day of my life
I rest from my evil ways,
let the Lord work in me through his Spirit,
and so begin already in this life
the eternal Sabbath.
What is God's will for you in the fifth commandment?
That I honor, love, and be loyal to
my father and mother
and all those in authority over me;
that I obey and submit to them, as is proper,
when they correct and punish me;
and also that I be patient with their failings— for through them God chooses to rule us.
What is God's will for you in the sixth commandment?
I am not to belittle, insult, hate, or kill my neighbor—
not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture,
and certainly not by actual deeds—
and I am not to be party to this in others;
rather, I am to put away all desire for revenge.
I am not to harm or recklessly endanger myself either.
Prevention of murder is also why
government is armed with the sword.
Does this commandment refer only to killing?
By forbidding murder God teaches us
that he hates the root of murder:
envy, hatred, anger, vindictiveness.
In God's sight all such are murder.
Is it enough then that we do not kill our neighbor in any such way?
No.
By condemning envy, hatred, and anger
God tells us
to love our neighbors as ourselves,
to be patient, peace-loving, gentle,
merciful, and friendly to them,
to protect them from harm as much as we can,
and to do good even to our enemies.
What is God's will for us in the seventh commandment?
God condemns all unchastity.
We should therefore thoroughly detest it
and, married or single,
live decent and chaste lives.
Does God, in this commandment, forbid only such scandalous sins as adultery?
We are temples of the Holy Spirit, body and soul,
and God wants both to be kept clean and holy.
That is why he forbids
everything which incites unchastity,
whether it be actions, looks, talk, thoughts, or desires.
What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?
He forbids not only outright theft and robbery,
punishable by law.
But in God's sight theft also includes
cheating and swindling our neighbor
by schemes made to appear legitimate,
such as:
inaccurate measurements of weight, size, or volume;
fraudulent merchandising;
counterfeit money;
excessive interest;
or any other means forbidden by God.
In addition he forbids all greed
and pointless squandering of his gifts.
What does God require of you in this commandment?
That I do whatever I can
for my neighbor's good,
that I treat others
as I would like them to treat me,
and that I work faithfully
so that I may share with those in need.
What is God's will for you in the ninth commandment?
God's will is that I
never give false testimony against anyone,
twist no one's words,
not gossip or slander,
nor join in condemning anyone
without a hearing or without a just cause.
Rather, in court and everywhere else,
I should avoid lying and deceit of every kind;
these are devices the devil himself uses,
and they would call down on me God's intense anger.
I should love the truth,
speak it candidly,
and openly acknowledge it.
And I should do what I can
to guard and advance my neighbor's good name.
What is God's will for you in the tenth commandment?
That not even the slightest thought or desire
contrary to any one of God's commandments
should ever arise in my heart.
Rather, with all my heart
I should always hate sin
and take pleasure in whatever is right.
But can those converted to God obey these commandments perfectly?
No.
In this life even the holiest
have only a small beginning of this obedience.
Nevertheless, with all seriousness of purpose,
they do begin to live
according to all, not only some,
of God's commandments.
No one in this life can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly: why then does God want them preached so pointedly?
First, so that the longer we live
the more we may come to know our sinfulness
and the more eagerly look to Christ
for forgiveness of sins and righteousness.
Second, so that,
while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit,
we may never stop striving
to be renewed more and more after God's image,
until after this life we reach our goal:
perfection.
Prayer
Why do Christians need to pray?
Because prayer is the most important part
of the thankfulness God requires of us.
And also because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit
only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly,
asking God for these gifts
and thanking him for them.
How does God want us to pray so that he will listen to us?
First, we must pray from the heart
to no other than the one true God,
who has revealed himself in his Word,
asking for everything he has commanded us to ask for.
Second, we must acknowledge our need and misery,
hiding nothing,
and humble ourselves in his majestic presence.
Third, we must rest on this unshakable foundation:
even though we do not deserve it,
God will surely listen to our prayer
because of Christ our Lord.
That is what he promised us in his Word.
What did God command us to pray for?
Everything we need, spiritually and physically,
as embraced in the prayer
Christ our Lord himself taught us.
What is this prayer?
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever.
Amen.*
*Earlier and better manuscripts of Matthew 6 omit the words "For yours is . . . Amen
Why did Christ command us to call God "our Father"?
At the very beginning of our prayer
Christ wants to kindle in us
what is basic to our prayer—
the childlike awe and trust
that God through Christ has become
our Father.
Our fathers do not refuse us
the things of this life;
God our Father will even less refuse to give us
what we ask in faith.
Why the words "in heaven"?
These words teach us
not to think of God's heavenly majesty
as something earthly,
and to expect everything
for body and soul
from his almighty power.
What does the first request mean?
"Hallowed be your name" means,
Help us to really know you,
to bless, worship, and praise you
for all your works
and for all that shines forth from them:
your almighty power, wisdom, kindness,
justice, mercy, and truth.
And it means,
Help us to direct all our living—
what we think, say, and do—
so that your name will never be blasphemed because of us
but always honored and praised.
What does the second request mean?
"Your kingdom come" means,
Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way
that more and more we submit to you.
Keep your church strong, and add to it.
Destroy the devil's work;
destroy every force which revolts against you
and every conspiracy against your Word.
Do this until your kingdom is so complete and perfect
that in it you are
all in all.
What does the third request mean?
"Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" means,
Help us and all people
to reject our own wills
and to obey your will without any back talk.
Your will alone is good.
Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to,
as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven.
What does the fourth request mean?
"Give us today our daily bread" means,
Do take care of all our physical needs
so that we come to know
that you are the only source of everything good,
and that neither our work and worry
nor your gifts
can do us any good without your blessing.
And so help us to give up our trust in creatures
and to put trust in you alone.
What does the fifth request mean?
"Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors" means,
Because of Christ's blood,
do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are,
any of the sins we do
or the evil that constantly clings to us.
Forgive us just as we are fully determined,
as evidence of your grace in us,
to forgive our neighbors.
What does the sixth request mean?
"And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one" means,
By ourselves we are too weak
to hold our own even for a moment.
And our sworn enemies—
the devil, the world, and our own flesh—
never stop attacking us.
And so, Lord,
uphold us and make us strong
with the strength of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may not go down to defeat
in this spiritual struggle,
but may firmly resist our enemies
until we finally win the complete victory.
What does your conclusion to this prayer mean?
"For yours is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory forever" means,
We have made all these requests of you
because, as our all-powerful king,
you not only want to,
but are able to give us all that is good;
and because your holy name,
and not we ourselves,
should receive all the praise, forever.
What does that little word "Amen" express?
"Amen" means,
This is sure to be!
It is even more sure
that God listens to my prayer,
than that I really desire
what I pray for.
About this testimony
The Heidelberg Catechism was published in the German university town of Heidelberg in 1563, a year before the death of the Reformer John Calvin who inspired its core testimony: that God does not abandon humanity to death but in sovereign freedom restores the broken relationship between God and God's children. The center of this drama is Jesus Christ. In the words of the 20th-century theologian Karl Barth (quoting a German hymn), the message of the Heidelberg Catechism is: "Get out of the way, you spirits of sadness, for Christ the sovereign of joy is coming in!" The Catechism was widely used in the Reformed Church in the United States—one of our antecedent denominations—and is still held in high regard by all churches of the Reformed tradition.
We are able to publish this contemporary version of the Heidelberg Catechism through the courtesy of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Another CRC website includes a study plan for the catechism organized according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Other ancient creeds and testimonies of the faith are collected in The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, published by the Pilgrim Press and available from United Church Resources at 800-325-7061.
SECTION MENU
Statement of Faith UCC
The Name of Jesus
Jesus Head of the Church
God's plan of salvation
The Apostles' Creed
Nicene Creed
Jesus Human and Divine
Luther's Small Catechism
Heidelberg Catechism
Principles Christian Church
Kansas City Statement
Evangelical Catechism
Barmen Declaration
Basis of Union
Preamble to Constitution
Statement of Mission
Toward the 21st Century
Presbyterian Catechism
Theology Page
Online Theology Forum
CONTACT INFO
Subscribe to Stillspeaking Magazine
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/beliefs/heidelberg-catechism.html
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment