United Church of Christ
The United Church of Christ (UCC) was formed in 1957 as a merger of four denominations – Congregational, Christian, Reformed, and Evangelical. This unlikely denomination merged different ethnic groups, regions of the country, histories, races, worship styles, theologies and styles of church government. The founders of the UCC felt that those differences should not divide believers in Jesus Christ.
Historically, the UCC has been very progressive/liberal on social issues. The UCC was among the first and most visible denominations to advocate for racial equality during the Civil Rights movement, for peace in the Vietnam era, and for women’s rights, including ordination. Currently, the UCC is applying the same progressive position to matters of race relations, environmentalism, economic justice, and human sexuality, among other issues.
Faithful and Welcoming
Corinth is a member congregation of Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) of the United Church of Christ, a coalition of UCC pastors and churches who consider themselves Evangelical, Conservative, Orthodox, or Traditional (ECOT). Many FWC members disclaim one or more of these labels, because we come from different traditions and perspectives. We advocate for a point of view often underrepresented and misunderstood, and sometimes maligned within denominational life.
Although we at Corinth do not fully embrace all the current positions of the UCC, we voted in 2007 to remain in the denomination. Our major reasons included the autonomy of the local church (we are free to believe and worship in any way we choose), and the sense that conservatives and liberals need each other and we all benefit from being in relationship with one another.
Our pastor, Dr. Bob Thompson, is the founder of Faithful and Welcoming, and continues to serve as the president of the organization. If you want to know more, please contact us for more information about Faithful and Welcoming.