​
Denominational History
The United Church of Christ
​
​
​
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a union denomination that finds its roots in the Protestant Reformation in Europe. In 1957, the Evangelical and Reformed and the Congregational Christian churches united to create the UCC. Both parent denominations were themselves the result of earlier unions. The Evangelical and Reformed churches trace their history to the German and Swiss Reformed churches. The Congregational churches developed from the English Puritan tradition, while the Christian churches adapted Reformed traditions to life on the American frontier.
A commitment to the unity of Christ’s people is reflected in our name, and this ecumenical flavor is also in our motto, “that they may all be one”. As a uniting church, the UCC works to heal the divisions among us.
All UCC congregations are self-governing and make their own decisions on pastoral leadership, worship style, property, and priorities. All UCC congregations, however, are linked in covenant relationships through the local Associations and Conferences, and ultimately the General Synod, the national body, which meets every three years.
​
Like the Presbyterians, the UCC has a long history of concern for mission and for social justice. It celebrates an unusually diverse membership, including strong representation of African American, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic groups. In recent years, the UCC has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Presbyterian Church
The Presbyterian Church is one of the newest and one of the oldest denominations in America. It is new, because on June 10, 1983, the two largest Presbyterian groups in the U.S. reunited after a 122-year split following the Civil War. It is old, because its roots go back to the very first American settlers, with the first American Presbytery being organized in 1706. Presbyterian roots are even older, for we are part of the Reformed movement that grew out of the Protestant Reformation as expressed by Reformation religious leaders, particularly John Calvin, in the early 16th century.
From the beginning, Presbyterians have founded our belief on the authority of Scripture as well as the creeds and confessions of the church: the Apostles and Nicene Creeds and the Westminster Confession. While our theology is essentially the same as other Protestant denominations, special stress is put on the sovereignty of God as one who is a totally loving ruler and protector of creation. Two sacraments are recognized, Baptism and Holy Communion, which is also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist.
The name Presbyterian comes from presbuteros, a Greek word meaning elder. Elders are chosen for leadership in the local churches and, with clergy, represent congregations at the Presbytery and Synod meetings, and on the national level at the annual meeting of the General Assembly. Presbyterians have a long history of concern for social justice, and regularly speak out on issues relating to fairness and inclusivity.
