What is a Reformed Church?

The word “Reformed” in the United Reformed Church refers to our roots in the 16th century Reformation.
The word “United” refers to the union, in 1972, of two British denominations-the Congregationalists and Presbyterians,
that shared such Reformation roots. In 1981 we were joined by Churches of Christ,
and in 2000 by the Congregational Union of Scotland.

That said, we are very ecumenically minded in the URC and at City Church in particular.
We see ourselves as essentially part of the broader Christian family in all its diversity.

What is distinctive about the URC is reflected most visibly in the way we are organised.
We are not a “parish” church relating to a specific geographical community, but a “gathered” church.
People come here because they choose to be part of this particular fellowship.

Reformed churches are led in ministry by a ministry team of Elders elected by the
Church Meeting and working in partnership with the pastoral staff.
The sense of being a gathered community runs throughout our fellowship.
We make decisions together. We plan together. We minister together.

A key to the Reformed tradition is that every member is a minister, and our goal as a church
is to strengthen and equip the fellowship for this work of ministry.

So what is the “Reformed” tradition? At the end of the day, it is you, your membership,
and your ministry as part of the team.



United Reformed Church's Web:  http://www.urc.org.uk