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The Congregational Church.

Discussion in 'Free-For-All Archives' started by Ben W, Mar 9, 2003.

  1. Ben W

    Ben W Active Member
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    At a non denominational bible college information night I met a chap who tells me he goes to the Congregational Church. Most Congregational Churches merged in Australia with the Methodist Church and one Half of the Presbyterian church.

    So what are the Congregational Church all about? are they in any way similar to a Baptist type church?

    It was mentioned on a local religious news radio show that the Uniting Church in Australia which is made up of the above groups are having some problems in that the Methodist church feel that it is the Congregational Church section that is pulling the church more over to the Left.

    Is this the case in America that the Congregational Church are a Left wing type organisation?
     
  2. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    In polity, Congregational churches are identical to Baptists -- autonomy of the local church. Traditionally, Congregationalists have held to affusion and infant baptism.

    In the U.S., I think most are affiliated with the United Church of Christ:
    http://www.ucc.org/aboutus/whatis.htm

    Another group is the National Association of Christian Congregational Churches:

    http://www.naccc.org/

    The UCC churches would be seen as more liberal than many.
     
  3. jonmagee

    jonmagee New Member

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    so, when they have amalgamated in Australia/America, have they managed to keep the congregational style of government or have they left this behind?

    yours, Jon.
     
  4. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    In America, each congregation is autonomomous. I can't speak for the UK or Australia; I suspect some erosion has taken place.
     
  5. FriendofSpurgeon

    FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known Member
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    My experience is that - on the whole - Congregational churches tend to be far more liberal theologically than other mainline Protestant churches, and definitely more so than Evangelical churches. They have come a long way from their Puritan roots.
     
  6. Ben W

    Ben W Active Member
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    They are able to run there churches by a church board, yet all buildings are owned by the cental office. It is usual for three Uniting Churches to share the same minister, and to be preached to by a Lay Minister from the Congregation.
     
  7. Jude

    Jude <img src=/scott3.jpg>

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    The UCC (United Church of Christ), 'Congregational Church', is without-doubt the most liberal Protestant Church in America. They are even 'left' of the United Methodists! Interestingly, there are several 'congregations' within this denomination that are conservative, and are in the UCC only because they have always been so-aligned. I myself almost went to their Theological Seminary in Bangor, Maine, and have always been thankful that it didn't work out!
     
  8. SolaScriptura in 2003

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    What doctrines are they liberal on?
     
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