The United Church of Christ or The Untied Church of Christ?

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." ~Ecc. 4:9-12

Today the United Church of Christ, after weeks of soliciting our financial support, launched the Steeples commercial. Inspired by this nursery rhyme of our childhood, we are reminded that the doors of the Church are always open and all are welcome to enter. 

Uniting her hands tightly together, this young girl declares, "Here is the church." As faces flash across the screen we see a multitude of men, women and children who make up our beloved United Church of Christ. Nearly everyone is seen in this commercial. In fact, when we watch this commercial, we feel united.

Isn't there something about this little girl bringing her hands together that conjures feelings of unity? United, her hands form a posture for prayer. United, each finger finds a secure space where it feels a sense of belonging. United, we are asked to reflect upon the strength it takes to be a United Church of Christ.

The images found in this commercial proclaim to the world that we are a united church. If we are a united church, then why do so many feel we are coming untied? When two strings are united each piece fits firmly together, but when two strings become untied, it is often because one string is not supportive of the other.

We respect the work that our church has been doing in response to how we ought to govern ourselves. The efforts of so many have been to form a better church, a church that can most effectively respond to the call of ministry in the world. While the intention has been to unite, what is evident is that this church might in fact, be untying. 

After reading the new proposed restructure, there are many who feel that this new structure will cause their voices to be diminished. We have always understood the United Church of Christ to have a table where everyone can take a seat. However, concern is spreading across the denomination because so many feel the rhetoric of the United Church of Christ does not match its reality. 

The Joshua Generation Leadership Team of the Urban Ministries Network is asking you to read the current information regarding the Church's restructuring proposal. As of today, nearly 253 people have read the proposed restructuring plan and feel that rather than be a United Church of Christ, we are moving towards becoming an Untied Church of Christ. 

The question is not about how many people feel the current proposal will unite us or untie us. The question is, how will we respond to those faces, those names, those people -all who feel that the support that this denomination projects, is no where to be found. 

If you would like to see our beloved United Church of Christ come together and make room for all voices to be heard, join us as we dialogue about the current proposal before us.