Predestination

Historical Congregationalism was firmly Calvinist on predestination. The Savoy Declaration (Chapters III and X) affirms unconditional election and effectual calling, consistent with the Westminster Confession. The New England Puritan tradition produced elaborate treatments of election, including works by Jonathan Edwards defending Calvinist determinism.

The modern United Church of Christ has departed dramatically from this heritage. The UCC Statement of Faith describes God as one 'who seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin,' suggesting a universal salvific intent incompatible with strict Calvinist double predestination. The denomination's emphasis on God's universal love and inclusive welcome is reflected in its open and affirming posture toward all people regardless of background. Conservative Congregational bodies outside the UCC (such as the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, CCCC) maintain a more orthodox Reformed theological stance.