Quote:
Originally Posted by TySky
These 2 denominations would be the only churches I would join in the whole christianity of denominations. Well also the MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) as well.
BUT
What is the difference besides the fact they're liberal and that UCC is protestant and Episcopal is half protestant and half catholic!
Episcopal is half catholic right?
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Yes they are both liberal. A third denomination that is equally liberal and open and accepting towards Gay people is The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The Episcopal Church is very different from the United Church of Christ. Not in it's polity towards Gay people, but in it's doctrinal stance.
The Episcopal Church, officially The Protestant Episcopal Church in America is a sacerdotal church. This means it celebrates sacraments. Sacraments are outward acts that confer God's grace and make sacred the recipient. In the Episcopal Church, there are two sacraments - baptism and Holy Eucharist. (Communion) Communion is thought of as more than symbolic.
The Episcopal Church is also a liturgical church. This means that services are more formal and include responsive readings. There is a liturgical year, and certain holidays in the church year or liturgical year are observed with scripture readings that are relevant to the times of the year, such as Advent and Pentecost.
Churches tend to be ornate, with the priest's vestments matching the time of the church year. For example red for Pentecost.
Other liturgical and sacerdotal churches are Roman Catholic and Lutheran.
The United Church of Christ could not be more different from the Episcopal Church. It is not a liturgical church and it's background is Reformed. Similar to Presbyterian, Reformed Church in America, Dutch Reformed etc. It's roots are derived from reformers John Knox and John Calvin.
Services are simple and so are the church buildings themselves. Think of the white steepled, white clapboard churches in New England.
Communion or Lord's Supper is celebrated only once a month. It is not a sacrament and it bestows no grace upon the recipient. It, along with baptism are referred to as "Ordinances of the Church".
Ordinance, because they were the two things that Jesus Christ ordered his believers to practice.
The services are reverent, but more free form, and tend to vary more from on congregation to the other. Which brings us to another difference. The UCC (Formerly the Congregational Church) is congregational in polity. Each church is self governing. They are members of an association of churches that hold the same beliefs, but there is no bishop.
I should add that not every UCC (or Episcopal Church) is "open and accepting". Many are. But not all.
The Worship experience is very different at the two churches. If you like one, you most likely will not like the other.
Both have much to offer. However, they are very different in doctrine and practice.
I hope that this was of help to you.
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