Two sacraments; open Communion; baptism by any mode
Congregational churches observe two sacraments (or ordinances): Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Historical Congregationalism followed the Reformed tradition in its sacramental theology: baptism is a covenant sign and is administered to infants of believers as well as adults; the Lord's Supper involves spiritual real presence through faith, not physical transubstantiation. The Savoy Declaration follows the Westminster Confession on sacramental theology.
The United Church of Christ practices open Communion — all who love God and seek to follow Christ are welcome at the Lord's Table, regardless of baptism status or church membership. This reflects the UCC's inclusive theology and welcome. Baptism may be administered by any mode (immersion, sprinkling, or pouring) to infants or adults, consistent with the historical Reformed tradition but with broad flexibility. The UCC Book of Worship provides liturgical resources for both infant and adult baptism. The UCC does not typically use the language of 'transubstantiation' or 'real presence' but understands the sacraments as genuine encounters with God's grace.
Key Distinctions
- Term used:
- sacraments or ordinances (varies by congregation)
- Sacrament count:
- two (Baptism and Lord's Supper)
- Baptism mode:
- any mode; varies by congregation
- Baptism recipients:
- infants (traditionally) or believers only (some congregations)
- Eucharist presence:
- symbolic or spiritual; varies by congregation
Scripture References
Sources
- Savoy Declaration, Chapters XXVIII–XXIX (1658)
- UCC Book of Worship, Rites of Baptism and Eucharist (current edition)
- Cambridge Platform, Chapter XIV (1648)