The story of the Afro-Christian Convention, one story of many in the history of the independent Black Church, is the story of faith, survival, affirmation, and empowerment in the hostile environment of racism. From 1892 to the 1960s, the Afro-Christian Convention was composed of 150 churches and 25,000 members, located primarily in North Carolina and Virginia. The tradition of the Afro-Christian church, too long ignored and under-celebrated, takes its rightful place in the canon of United Church of Christ history.
This collection of essays spans the breadth of the United Church of Christ: its roots; its polity, ministry, and worship issues; and its theological issues and movements. The revised and updated edition includes a new preface; a new chapter title for Chapter 18 The United Church of Christ Tomorrow: A View from 1990; and the addition of a new chapter, Chapter 19: Into a New Century.
"The Evangelical Catechism" is a valuable resource for pastors, new church members, and confirmation classes, and is widely used by United Church of Christ congregations. Originally authorized by the Evangelical Synod of North America (which brought the catechism into the twentieth century) it focuses on the following essentials: the Ten Commandments; the Attributes of God; the Apostles' Creed; prayer; the sacrament of Holy Baptism; and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. This revised edition has been refreshed with a more modern approach for United Church of Christ congregations in the twenty-first century.
"The Evolution of a UCC Style: Essays in the History, Ecclesiology, and Culture of the United Church of Christ" focuses on the development of themes that define the United Church of Christ (UCC). Randi Walker examines the ethos and culture of the UCC rather than simply describing its structures, and addresses the themes of inclusiveness; diversity of theological heritage (Reformation, Enlightenment, and Pietism); congregational polity (the one and the many); liberal theological approach; and ecumenical spirit. Walker also takes a look at the tensions and boundaries contained within each theme.
This "reinterpretation" of the Statement of Faith adopted by the United Church of Christ in 1959 includes a description of the process that led to the original interpretation, and boldly indicates where the statement expresses firm convictions and where it encourages continuing discussions.
In this second volume, Dr. Zikmund continues the untold stories in the formation of the United Church of Christ (UCC). Volume 1 focused on those ethnic groups, or ecclesiastical movements, often overlooked by UCC historical orthodoxy. This second book of essays does two things: it provides additional information about groups not covered in the original collection, and it explores the sources of some principles and practices important to the UCC identity. Volume 2 invites readers to enhance their knowledge of history as an important source of spiritual strength for these times. It also examines more deeply what it means for the UCC to celebrate its "unity in diversity." It explores such areas as Lutheran and Reformed Cooperation; German Evangelical Protestants; Origins of the Christian Denomination in New England; Evangelical Pietism and Biblical Criticism; Women's Mission Structures and the American Board; Religious Journalism; Philip William Otterbein and the United Brethren; from German Reformed Roots to the Churches of God; The Congregational Training School for Women; and Chinese Congregationalism. Contributors include: J. Martin Bailey, Dorothy C. Bass, Curtis Beach, Thomas E. Dipko, Matthew Fong, J. Harvey Gossard, Rose Lee, Elizabeth C. Nordbeck, Horace S. Sills, Priscilla Stuckey-Kauffman, Dorothy Wong, Barbara Brown Zikmund, and Lowell H. Zuck.
This collection of essays expands knowledge about the diversity of the UCC, and connects the UCC with many significant developments in American religious and ethnic history. It explores such areas as Native American Protestantism, black Christian churches, a schism in the German Reformed Church, Armenian congregationalism's missionary beginnings, German congregationalism, blacks and the American Missionary Association, Deaconess ministries, the Schwenkfelders, the Calvin Synod (Hungarian), women's work and women's boards, and Japanese-American congregationalists.
