Shortly before Jesus was arrested, he prayed for unity among believers, “that they may all be one.” His prayer stated an ideal evident in the very creation of the United Church of Christ. In 1957, two Protestant denominations came together to form this new denomination. Ever since, people from various backgrounds have expanded the UCC’s story – either as members, as new congregations, or as partners in ministry and mission. As many become one, there are more and more stories within the story.

            A UCC congregation might attract new members who are joining a church for the first time, who are standing next to others raised in Catholicism, who are standing alongside others who have been part of a very different Protestant expression. Diversity in religious background is part of the UCC story!

            The UCC is welcoming many Filipino, Marshallese and Samoan members into some of our fastest-growing churches. Cultural diversity is part of the UCC story!

            And in the UCC’s Christian partnerships, we stand together with faithful sisters and brothers who practice a variety of traditions. Through Churches Uniting in Christ we are in relationship with eight other faith communions. Uniting with other Christian churches is part of the UCC story.

           Jesus’ words, “that they may all be one” (John 17:21) are the motto of the United Church of Christ. Your gifts to Our Church’s Wider Mission help support the ecumenical and interfaith work – so critical in today’s world – of the United Church of Christ.

                                            God is still speaking..