OUR COMMON FOUNDATION
The United Churches of America deliberately maintains a small common foundation.
We do this not because theology is unimportant, but because cooperation requires distinguishing foundational convictions from denominational distinctives.
Our common center is Jesus Christ.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
We affirm the historic Christian proclamation of Jesus Christ, His life and teachings, His death and Resurrection, reconciliation with the Creator through Him, the transforming work of Grace, and His call to love God and neighbor.
Beyond that common foundation, participating Christians and churches remain free to maintain their respective theological traditions and convictions.
OUR 3 PRINCIPLES
CONVICTION WITHOUT
CONDEMNATION
UNITY WITHOUT
UNIFORMITY
FELLOWSHIP WITHOUT
FORCED CONFORMITY
We do not ask Christians to become indifferent about truth.
Study theology.
Debate Scripture.
Defend your convictions.
Preach what you believe.
Ask difficult questions.
But disagreement does not give us permission to stop loving one another.
We can possess strong convictions without turning fellow Christians into enemies.
Unity does not require sameness.
Paul's image of the Body of Christ actually depends upon difference.
An eye is not an ear. A hand is not a foot.
Different members.
Different functions.
One Body.
We seek unity of purpose without demanding uniformity of tradition.
Christian fellowship should not require institutional surrender.
Participating churches remain responsible for their own theology, worship, leadership, governance, traditions, membership standards, and internal affairs.
The United Churches of America exists to connect—not control.
Cooperation without domination.
Relationship without absorption.
Unity without forced conformity.
IN ESSENTIAL THINGS, UNITY
We believe Christians can unite around a powerful common center:
Jesus Christ.
The Good News.
Grace.
Love of God.
Love of neighbor.
Human dignity.
Freedom of conscience.
Truth.
Service.
Reconciliation.
Forgiveness.
Restoration.
Community.
Stewardship.
Hope.
The Kingdom of God.
And where disagreements remain, we choose charity over contempt.