OUR BELIEFS

We believe that each person is unique and valuable. It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.

We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.

We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life purpose and direction.

We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. “That they may all be one.” (John 17:21) “In essentials, unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity,” These UCC mottos survive because they touch core values deep within us. The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures. Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpret-tation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.

We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. ‘To believe is to care; to care is to do.’

We believe that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.

We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear … for after all, God is still speaking;

STATEMENT OF FAITH of the United Church of Christ
This revision of the original Statement of Faith (1959) was prepared by Robert V. Moss, Jr., President of the United Church of Christ from 1969–1976, in order to express the statement in more 'inclusive' language.

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.

The United Church of Christ was formed in 1957 by the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church with the Congregational Christian Churches. It was no small task to create a common expression of faith from such a theologically diverse group. However, the statement of faith above united this diverse group of Christians. That diversity continues to be the UCC's greatest strength and challenge, as we stay committed to the covenant that unites us.