United Church of Christ

The United Church of Christ was born out of the union of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches, which themselves were the unifications in Christian American history, beginning with the joining of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Pilgrim communities in the seventeenth century. The original United Church of Christ included congregants descended from Swiss, German, Hungarian, and English immigrants who settled in New England, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, among other places.

Given this diversity in history, it is no wonder that the United Church of Christ today welcomes members from all Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics, and all walks of life, most notably gay and lesbian members who were turned away from their own churches. Today’s congregants trace their heritage back not just to Europe, but to every continent.

The UCC’s diversity also explains its storied role in historic social justice movements. Its belief that racism is a sin led to its participation in abolition efforts in early American history, and to its current initiative to end negative stereotyping of Native Americans. From Medicare to world peace, the UCC tirelessly advocates by way of the Justice and Witness Ministries.

Since one of the UCC’s central tenets is a calling toward seeking "justice and liberation for all," it is only natural for the UCC to expand beyond American borders. The UCC’s Global Ministries provides numerous ways for members to get involved globally, ranging from missionary work to humanitarian relief.

The President of the UCC is Reverend John Thomas, who serves on the Council of Presidents at Religions for Peace-USA.