Alerts Sign-up
The United Church of Christ (UCC) has taken a significant step to enhance its relationship with the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland, also known as the Protestant Church in Germany. During a meeting in Kansas City on July 14, the UCC's General Synod voted overwhelmingly in favor of entering into "full communion" with its long-standing partner. The resolution passed with 641 votes for, one against, and 11 abstentions. The agreement now awaits approval from the German church.
Full communion is not a merger but involves several aspects such as a common confession of Christ, mutual recognition of members, shared celebration of Holy Communion, mutual recognition and reconciliation of ordained ministries, and a common commitment to mission.
The UCC and its German counterpart have maintained historical ties dating back to the 19th century. They have been "Kirchengemeinschaft" or "church fellowship" partners at national levels for decades. This partnership has remained robust through changes in denominational structures in Germany and includes collaborative efforts like combating racism.
Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel expressed enthusiasm about the resolution: “This resolution that we passed today of full communion is just awesome.” She highlighted her experience with youth partnerships between her former church in Frederick, Maryland, and churches in Germany since 2015.
Delegate Nikita Fischer from Dubois, Indiana, shared her positive experiences with the ongoing relationship between the UCC’s Indiana-Kentucky Conference and the EKD: “We have a program called the young ambassadors which I was very grateful to be part of.”
Christopher Cole from Watertown, Connecticut, who chaired a committee reviewing the resolution, emphasized that standing together in full communion strengthens their witness: “By standing together in full communion, we become stronger in our witness.”
The UCC traces part of its roots back to 19th-century German origins when two streams of Christianity united to form it in 1957. These connections underline both churches' shared history and commitment to justice and peace.
