History
In 1966, the nation as well as the church was experiencing major changes. The civil rights movement and its quest for change was forever present. Feeling the need for a major change as well, a group of black United Church of Christ ministers met to organize themselves and their constituencies. This meeting created the Ministers for Racial and Social Justice (MRSJ) as well as the idea for a group called the United Black Churchmen. Two years later during the 7th General Synod, African American delegates and clergy persons agreed to form United Black Churchmen. Under the leadership of ministers and laypersons from churches in Washington, D.C., a convention was planned for United Black Churchmen members of MRSJ. The United Black Churchmen was formally launched in November 1970. More than 200 delegates from churches across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the first UBC Organizing Convention. In 1976, the name United Black Churchmen was changed to United Black Christians. Members wanted the name to be totally inclusive and non-sexist. UBC become its own entity in 1982 and adopted a “self defining and self-determinative” posture. This posture supported the UBC’s goals to expand its membership with the theme”Visibility towards Viability.” Today, the United Black Christians (UBC) is an officially recognized organization (with voice AND vote) of the United Church of Christ. It represents lay and clergy persons who faithfully minister in the name of Jesus Christ within the more than 290 predominately African American churches in congregations of the UCC. UBC also represents those singularly and sparsely distributed African American members who are in congregations that are not predominantly African American. UBC has evolved into a viable, empowering caucus by being a resource for African American leadership for instrumentalities, conferences, associations and local churches. UBC has served as one of the communication centers for all phases of work in the denomination, at all levels and in being responsible to the needs of its black constituency and community. UBC also develops strategies and programs and is an articulate voice for its members who have concerns, therefore, keeping our history alive with pride and dignity.