Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you called the Unitarian Christian Fellowship?

The name “Christian” identifies us as followers of Jesus of Nazareth and as members of his universal Church. The name “Unitarian” describes the branch of Christian theology taught from our pulpit, and, in our opinion, best approximates the theology and vision of Jesus and his earliest disciples. It also describes our religious heritage, which we hold dear.

What is the purpose of your group?

The essential character of a Christian fellowship is stated by Jesus when he says, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:19-20). To meet “in the name of Christ” is to meet in his spirit, to do his work, and is an activity encouraged in Scripture (Heb. 10:24-25). The avowed purpose of this association is to worship God, to preach the good news of Jesus Christ, and to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this group and the entire association of Christians worldwide. We believe that our fellowship is a union of those who come together to help each other to live a life in harmony with Jesus’ teachings. Following in his footsteps, we aim to render loving service to humankind, and to promote righteousness, justice and peace, by helping the unknowledgeable to educate themselves, helping the weak to strengthen themselves, helping the vicious to reform themselves, and cooperating in all attempts to elevate and improve society. We look forward to a time when all people of the earth will unite together in the purpose of doing good, when at last God’s kingdom comes and God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. We hope our fellowship will grow and become a center of movement in behalf of education, philanthropy, and social reforms.

Are you part of a larger organization?

We are affiliated with two national religious organizations, whose interests and principles are similar to our own, namely, the American Unitarian Conference and the Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship. In spirit, we see ourselves as part of the worldwide body of Christians, regardless of denomination.

Are you governed by these organizations?

Although it is grounded in the Unitarian tradition, this fellowship considers itself non-denominational, subject to the control of no ecclesiastical authority. We see Jesus as the head of this fellowship (Col. 1:18), in that he leads it through his teachings. Nevertheless, as Jesus is the head of all Christian churches, we are ready to unite with other congregations and organizations in work and sympathy. That is the extent of our affiliation with the larger organizations. The government of this fellowship is vested in its members who, in accordance with the Congregational tradition, exercise the right of control in all its affairs. All of our ministers are ordained by the membership. Our fellowship is also separate and independent from the State and Federal governments.

Do members of your group all believe the same thing?

In our fellowship, all members are free to explore their relationship with God and interpret and evaluate Scripture according to their own experiences. There is no detailed list of doctrines that all are required to accept. However, we do share some basic beliefs which unite us as a body and which are summed up in the following Confession:

We believe in one God, the Creator and Preserver of all things,

And in Jesus Christ, whose teachings and life form the standard of our faith and practice,

And in the holy spirit, the influence of God within us;

We believe in the divine element in conscience,

In free will and the responsibility that comes with it,

In the inspiration and sanctity of Scripture,

In the forgiveness of sins,

In God's universal love for all humankind,

And in the future advancement of the whole human family to holiness and happiness.

Who are allowed to join your group?

We accept into full participation in the life of this fellowship: people of any age, economic status, gender, marital status, race, sexual orientation, and physical, emotional and mental capability (Acts 10:34-35).

What does communion mean to your fellowship, and who is permitted to partake?

First of all, our communion is a memorial through which we reflect on the great sacrifice that Jesus made. Second, communion is a ceremony symbolizing and celebrating the filial relationship among Christians, their unity as a body, love for one another as for family, and sharing of all things together (hence the sharing of the bread and wine). We do not feel we can make a judgment as to who is a Christian and who is not. We leave that up to God and the individual. But consider this: do you have a desire to live your life according to the principles Jesus lays out in the New Testament? Then at heart you are a Christian and would be welcome at our communion, regardless of how well you think you are living up to those principles at present. Christianity is a condition of the heart, not a measure of success. 

Do you expel from your group those who behave poorly?

We do not practice excommunication. Because we are all children of God, we cannot expel from the fellowship those who behave poorly, but we endeavor to recover them to the good Way through filial love, and exemplary life, as Jesus did (Luke 5:30-32).

Is there a hierarchy of leadership in your fellowship?

All members of the fellowship are considered equals, siblings in a spiritual family. There is no hierarchy of assumed “divinely-constituted” authority, no spiritual parents, as it were (Matt. 23:6-12).

How is your fellowship supported financially?

We are supported by voluntary donations. We do not take up collections during worship services. Before and after we gather, those present may deposit contributions in a designated receptacle as they are inclined. Contributions are anonymous. No one is given additional honor, respect, authority, or control because of his or her financial contributions (Matt. 6:1-4).

Does your fellowship lean left or right on the political spectrum?

We wish to create an environment in which persons of any political persuasion would feel comfortable. We may comment on issues of the day, but we do not support any one political party. In our fellowship, all members are free to explore their political leanings privately, and evaluate, according to their own experiences, how Christian principles might come into play in political decisions. There is no list of issues on which all are expected to take a certain position. Our members do not use our fellowship or our fellowship’s name to support or oppose any candidates for elective public office or, directly or indirectly, to participate in, or intervene in, any candidate’s political campaign.