Conservative UCC Caucus Lashes Out
The Biblical Witness Fellowship, a member of the rightist Institute on Religion and Democracy-sponsored Association for Church Renewal was probably the first to pop-up out of the rightwing jack-in-the box to denounce the UCC’s historic endorsement of marriage equality. (The BWF previously called for the resignation of UCC President John Thomas for having endorsed the resolution — which which received 80% of the vote.)
But the BWF went much farther than disagreement with the vote of the General Synod to endorse marriage equality in the church, and in the nation. The BWF in its statement implies that because of its stand, the UCC is no longer a Christian denomination:
“This resolution does not validate same sex relationships but only invalidates and de-legitimizes the UCC as a religious body… We are deeply saddened by this tragic day in the history of our church that once had a faithful witness for Jesus Christ.”
The BWF may be the first, but my guess is that it will not be the last to claim that the United Church of Christ is not Christian.
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It’s my understanding that General Synod also passed BWF-supported resolutions affirming Jesus Christ as Lord and retaining the traditional crown/cross/globe logo and “that they may all be one” motto. It seems typical that the more moderate and liberal Synod delegates were willing to pass this resolution to keep the BWF types in the family, while the BWF types take their ball and stomp off because of the marriage resolution.
Anonymous
5 Jul 05 at 4:43 am
It would seem to me that the actions of synod are but the last gasp of a dying denomination that has lost it’s moral compass.
Anonymous
6 Jul 05 at 7:56 am
The UCC has made a terrible error in indorsing gay marriage. The UCC has lost it way and is not a church that is led by the Holy Spirit. This decision will have repercussions many times over in the church.
Anonymous
7 Jul 05 at 4:49 pm
It’s so sad that some people are not able to recognize Jesus’ teachings and intent. The UCC is certainly leading the way in Jesus’ work and hopefully will be able to turn other denominations back towards Jesus’ inclusive message. We can only pray.
Anonymous
11 Jul 05 at 9:41 am
As a new Christian, about three years ago, I chose the UCC to be my church home. Sadly, I have watched it become more a political
social organization than a church.
Left wing politics seem to be more important than our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Being tolerant does not mean one needs to endorse gay marriage.They have gone too far.
Anonymous
26 Jul 05 at 5:40 pm
I’m sorry I don’t read the part about BWF saying that the UCC is not a Christian denomination. BWF is PART of the UCC. If you read their Statement of Faith, (http://www.biblicalwitness.org/BWFStatement_of_Faith.htm) they don’t say anything about gay marriage in their statement. They don’t have to, gay marriage isn’t natural, it is wrong, it was never meant to be.
I hate to break this to you but 80% of the UCC Synod amounts to 100% of nothing, Don’t believe me check out their constitution, (http://www.ucc.org/aboutus/constitution.htm) As for me and my house we will follow Christ, I pray you find your way brother.
Michael
Michael
15 Sep 05 at 4:40 am