The History of the UCC
The religious heritage of the UCC stems from the great traditions of the Protestant Reformation--Lutheran, Calvinist and Congregational. These traditions were brought to America by Protestants fleeing persecution in Europe.
Four churches into two, then into one--a history of ecumenical unity!
1. German Reformed Church of the U.S.
Followed Calvinist beliefs and traditions. 1725--German immigrants established congregations in the U.S. 1793--The Synod of the German Reformed Church in the U.S. was formed. 1867--The name "German" was dropped from the Synod title.
2. Evangelical Synod of North America
Followed mostly Lutheran, Reformed and other beliefs. 1800s--German immigrants established churches in the Midwest. 1872--Churches organized into the German Evangelical Synod of North America. 1927--The name "German" was dropped from the Synod title.
3. Congregational Churches
Followed mostly Calvinist, Puritan and Congregational beliefs. 1620s--Puritans came to Massachusetts and united to begin North American Congregationalism. 1892--Congregational Methodists joined. 1925--Evangelical Protestants joined. 1927--German Congregationalists joined.
4. The Christian Churches
1794--O'Kelly "Christians" group was formed. 1801--First Free Christian Church in Vermont was organized. 1850--American Christian Convention of churches in the Northeast had formed. 1854--Southern Christian Convention was formed. 1922--The Christian Church was organized.
The German Reformed Church of the U.S. and the Evangelical Synod of North America united in 1934 to form the Evangelical and Reformed Church. They stressed liberty of conscience, authority of the Scriptures and their common liberal German Protestant heritage.
The Congregational Churches and the Christian Churches united in 1931 to form the Congregational Christian Churches. They stressed congregational freedom and a continuing reformation.
In 1957, these churches united to form the United Church of Christ. Today, the UCC is interested in uniting with other churches in fulfillment of the great prayer of Jesus Christ "that they may all be one."