United Reformed Church

Overview

The United Reformed Church (URC) was formed in 1972 by the merger of the Presbyterian Church of England and the Congregational Church in England and Wales, joined in 1981 by most of the Churches of Christ. The URC is formally ecumenical, ordains both men and women, affirms same-sex marriage, and practices open communion. Its historic confessional standards (Westminster and the Savoy Declaration) function as part of its heritage rather than as binding doctrinal law. AskCredo places the URC in the C-tier: a mainline Protestant body whose teaching and practice on marriage, ordination, and Scripture have departed from the Reformed and Congregational confessions in its heritage.

Confession / Standard

None formal; broadly Reformed heritage

Governance

presbyterian-congregational mix

Soteriology

mixed

Key Beliefs

• Reformed heritage
• Ecumenical emphasis
• Inclusive theology

Distinctives

• LGBTQ ordination affirmed
• Significant theological liberalism
• Declining membership

Background

UK & Ireland · Founded 1972

Official Website

https://urc.org.uk