The United Church of Christ does not have to abide by Jesus's words because they are not Christian. This is the same bunch that is debating whether Jesus was God. They are in fellowship with the Episcobaalians and ELCA "Lutherans", none of whom should be allowed to label themselves as Christians. They are, in the words of the immortal Flip Wilson, members of "The Church of What's Happenin' Now".
Given that the Hartford Seminary FACT survey of 2000 showed that only about 27 of UCC congregations self-identify as theologically liberal (moderately or very), and 44 percent self-identify as moderate, and 29 percent self-identify as theologically conservative (moderately to very)...surely this affirmative vote does not truly reflect the mind of the UCC. We'd do better to send each congregation a ballot than to rely on the General Synod delegates' vote as representative. The way the UCC is reporting this vote via its news service it sounds like the whole denomination has voted in favor of this resolution. The public doesn't understand the nuances of our polity....
Given that the Hartford Seminary FACT survey of 2000 showed that only about 27 of UCC congregations self-identify as theologically liberal (moderately or very), and 44 percent self-identify as moderate, and 29 percent self-identify as theologically conservative (moderately to very)...surely this affirmative vote does not truly reflect the mind of the UCC. We'd do better to send each congregation a ballot than to rely on the General Synod delegates' vote as representative. The way the UCC is reporting this vote via its news service it sounds like the whole denomination has voted in favor of this resolution. The public doesn't understand the nuances of our polity....