The UCC Tradition

To the Editor:

What came first, politics or religion? My guess is religion came first. This is because whether it was in the Garden of Eden or just because the earliest people were by themselves, they were primarily trying to understand the wonders of the universe. More than likely these earliest humans functioned on some levels fairly democratically and with a fair amount of freedom. As mankind became more numerous they ran into each other and politics came to be important. Either they got along and cared for each other or fought, often ending with just moving away from each other. When moving away was no longer possible religious theocracies were developed to make peace. Democracy and freedom were pushed aside. Today governments range from representative democracy, to religious theocracy, to complete government control and mixtures of all of them.

Now to the subject matter, the Congregational Church traces its roots to one of the oldest Protestant groups in America. Puritans and Pilgrims came to these shores beginning in the 1600s seeking to practice their religious beliefs faithfully and freely. Our own congregation in Newtown was founded in 1714 and has been serving this community faithfully for nearly 300 years. One of the central aspects of our tradition is the premise that everyone, in his or her own way, has a direct relationship with the Lord and that each member has an equal voice in the structure of their church.

About 50 years ago the Congregational Churches joined with several other traditions to form the United Church of Christ. The UCC serves its member churches somewhat like an IGA serves its member stores. Our national ministries provide assistance and resources to each local congregation. While the UCC pools resources to help to support national and international missions and ministries, each local congregation maintains full authority over its own faith and practice.

I, like all, have my political opinion of seeing and hearing a little of Rev Wright’s sermon on TV. As news, that is okay; the public may not be aware that each member church of the UCC remains fully independent and governed democratically. When you come to the Newtown Congregational Church, on occasion you may hear Reverend Matt Crebbin shout, but in love not hate — and you will go being pleased you came for knowledge, happiness, and hope.

Peter E. Allen

70 Mt Pleasant Road, Newtown                                                                     March 26, 2008