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Our Denomination

The United Church of Christ

The United Church of Christ is the oldest and largest Protestant denomination in Connecticut, with a presence in nearly every town. Our roots run deep in New England’s history, yet we are always looking forward, seeking to live out a vibrant and relevant faith for today. We are people of faith who believe God is still speaking, and we have a long tradition of taking bold steps—whether in ministry, in education, or in the pursuit of justice and peace. From worship that welcomes all, to advocacy that challenges injustice, to service that meets real needs, the UCC has always been about putting love into action.

Scroll down to learn more about our story, our commitments, and the values that continue to guide us.

A Legacy of Firsts and Advocacy

We ordained the first African American (Rev. Lemuel Haynes, Torrington, 1785), the first woman (1853), and the first openly gay minister (1972). We befriended and defended the captives of the Amistad (1839) and started 700 schools and colleges for newly freed slaves after the Civil War. In 1970 we founded the New Samaritan Corporation, now the largest nonprofit affordable housing organization in Connecticut. Throughout our history we have been a people of energetic diversity and a people who come early to advocacy for justice and peace.

Freedom and Covenant

The UCC places a high value on both freedom and covenant. Each church makes its own decisions about pastors, worship, theology, and finances, while remaining bound in covenant with God and one another. We have no hierarchy beyond this shared bond, and no one dictates what a local church or individual must believe. Our Constitution affirms the responsibility of each generation to make faith its own, in worship, thought, and action.

Still Speaking

We are churches and people who take the Bible too seriously to take it literally, who welcome questions as much as answers, and who extend God’s welcome to all. We are committed to creating safe, nurturing communities, especially for children and youth. We believe that God is still speaking, and we are still listening—never placing a period where God has placed a comma.

Learn More

Want to learn more about the United Church of Christ? Click the button below to explore the UCC website, where you’ll find stories, resources, and ways our wider church is living out God’s love in the world today.

Learn More About the UCC