THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

The United Reformed Church (URC) can be found across three nations: England, Scotland and Wales. Initially formed in 1972 in England and Wales, it was the first (and only) formal union of Christian denominations in these islands – the Congregational Church in England and Wales and the Presbyterian Church of England. The URC subsumed two further denominations in 1981 and 2000: the Reformed Association of Churches of Christ and the Congregational Union of Scotland.

All the traditions that have gone to make up the URC were shaped by the continental reformation of the 16^th Century, and especially through the influence of the Genevan reformer John Calvin; hence the centrality of Scripture and the preaching of the Word in the context of worship. In common with many other Protestant denominations the URC acknowledges two sacraments: the Lord's Supper and Baptism.

The Church is governed by councils at congregational, district, provincial and national levels. Any member may stand for office, such offices being open to men and women.

The URC is given to ecumenical dialogue and co-operation, and is a participant in the ecumenical councils of Britain and also globally through the World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the World Council of Churches.