About the United Church of Christ
A Denomination With Relevance
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church to join faith and action. With over 5,000 churches and nearly one million members across the U.S., the UCC community serves God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world, promoting justice and peace. The UCC is a church of firsts, known for its extravagant welcome, where “…they may all be one” (John 17:21).
The Church of Firsts
Since 1957, the United Church of Christ (UCC) has been a church of firsts, weaving God’s message of hope and extravagant welcome with action for justice and peace. Together, we live out our faith in the UCC community in ways that effect change in our neighborhoods.
The UCC’s many “firsts” reflect our commitment to act upon the demands of our faith. When we read in Galatians: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus”—a profound demand is placed upon us.
We were the first historically white denomination to ordain an African American, the first to ordain a woman, the first to ordain an openly gay man, and the first Christian church to affirm the right of same-gender couples to marry.
Our dedication to justice and peace has positioned us at the forefront of the anti-slavery movement and the Civil Rights movement. Our response to the demands of our faith is intricately woven into the history of our country.
A Church of Extravagant Welcome
Today, we continue to change lives throughout the world, working alongside more than 200 mission partners to promote justice and peace both in the United States and abroad. We labor ceaselessly to fight injustice and build a stronger UCC community.
Our vision is instilled in our youth and young adults, forging leaders who will imagine new dreams. We also sustain and develop church leaders, pastors, and our local churches to live their faith in exciting new ways, extending an extravagant welcome to all.
We believe in a God that is still speaking, a God that is all-loving and inclusive. We are a church that welcomes and accepts everyone as they are, where your mind is nourished as much as your soul.