The United Reformed Church
The United Reformed Church was formed by Act of Parliament in 1972 by the union of the Congregational Church in England and Wales and the Presbyterian Church of England. Subsequently the URC was joined by Churches of Christ and in 2000 by the Congregational Union of Scotland.
So what do we do and what do we believe?
We celebrate the sacraments
We do not need an intermediary between ourselves and God. Communion is served to people where they sit and the celebration is open to all. Baptism is celebrated in the context of congregational worship; God’s grace for each child is mediated through all of His people.
The authority of the local church and the responsibility of church meeting
God’s will is discerned through prayer and discussion, not the dictates of a hierarchy.
The ordination of elders
We not only recognise the calling of men and women to be ministers of the word and sacrament, but also the calling of men and women to share with the minister’s oversight of the work and worship of the congregation.
Freedom of conscience
The URC may commend or advise on social or religious issues but individuals have the right to make up their own minds.
Centrality of the Bible
We recognise the word of God discerned under the guidance of the Holy Spirit as our supreme authority.
Belief in the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Each generation is expected to discern God’s will for itself rather than slavishly following the past.
Commitment to Christian Unity
The United Reformed Church remains committed to the visible unity of the whole Church.