Declaration of Principles

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DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

Section 1. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines is an integral part of the one, holy,catholic and apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.

Section 2. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines affirms its Protestant heritage as a reformed and reforming church. (As Amended by GA 2002-41, Baguio City, May 20-26,2002)

Section 3. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines is a united and uniting Church, in response to the prayer of Jesus Christ “that they may all be one… that the world may believe that thou has sent me” (John 17:21, RSV).

Section 4. The doctrines and beliefs of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines are based on the Word of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures and articulated in the historic Christian creeds, expressed in the diverse heritage of faith and practice brought into the union by its uniting Churches, and embodied in its Statement of Faith.

Section 5. The fundamental values of love, justice, truth and compassion are at the heart of our witness to the world and our service to the Church.

Section 6. At all levels of its life and government, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines shall ensure, as far as practicable, the equitable representation of its general membership in terms of gender, age, sector, and geography.

Section 7. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines affirms the catholicity and ecumenicity of the Church of Jesus Christ. This is expressed in the UCCP’s relations with other church bodies and in its support of efforts in interchurch cooperation and union in the Philippines and in the world.

Section 8. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines affirms its historic faith and its pastoral and prophetic witness in the life and culture of the Filipino people. The Church supports the people’s aspirations for abundant life and holistic redemption from all forms of bondage, in accordance with the vision of the reign of God.

Section 9. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines advocates vigorous Christian stewardship expressed in the cheerful giving of tithes, time, talents and possessions.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines shall observe responsible Christian stewardship by utilizing the properties under its care towards self-reliance and support of its various ministries.    (As Amended by GA 2002-42, Baguio City, May 20-26, 2002)

Section 10. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines shall encourage and provide the means for amicable settlement of conflicts and disputes between and among members, as well as those involving the Church and its constituencies.

Section 11. In accordance with the biblical understanding that all persons are created in the image of God, the Church affirms and upholds the inviolability of the rights of persons as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other agreements on human rights, the international covenants on economic, social and cultural rights and on civil and political rights, the 1984 Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and those that relate specifically to refugees, women, youth, children, minority groups and other persons who cannot safeguard their own rights.

Section 12. As steward of God’s creation, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines shall protect, promote and enhance the ecological balance and the integrity of creation.

Section 13. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines recognizes that nurturing the faith is part of its primary responsibility. (As Amended by GA 2002-43, Baguio City, May 20-26, 2002)

Section 14. Consistent with the heritage and commitment of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, the autonomy of the Local Church shall be respected. The scope of such autonomy shall be defined in the By-Laws.