LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A conservative group in the United Church of Christ (UCC) called foul when the church’s main legislative body replaced the term “Heavenly Father” with “triune God” in its constitution. The controversy was reported by religion writer Peter Smith of The Courier-Journal.
“Rejecting God as Father in an age of fatherlessness is unthinkable,” said David Runnion-Bareford, executive director of Biblical Witness Fellowship, about the General Synod’s decision.
The change made in early July by the primarily liberal denomination shows a shift toward talking about God in gender-neutral terms instead of traditional masculine expressions. The decision still awaits regional ratification.
However, not all male references to God have been taken out of the UCC. The same synod that struck “Heavenly Father” from its constitution voted separately to continue using the traditional language — “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” — for baptisms. (TAB)
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