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                                                         PROGRESSIVE CHURCHES


Progressive Churches are those which are most oriented to other major societal institutions and to the requirements of a secular lifestyle

Progressive churches include the liberal wings of the

Unitarians

Episcopalians

United Church of Christ

Presbyterians
 

Orientation of Progressive Churches  – build limited family and community within a secular/individualistic context

Myth

Reformulate the Christian myth to accomodate science, therapy, secular education, multiple normative systems

Interpret the Christian myth so as to stabilize the present, limit discontiunity with the transcendent (redefine sin), increase individual autonomy and empowerment

Avoid uniqeness claims that threaten denominational status

Accept state authorization of the public sphere and play the role of civic religion


Social Organization
Organize as voluntary associations with a service orientation

Accept mutiple affiliations and loyalties with secular civic associations

Loosen control over family formation, procreation, and dissolution

Limit spiritual agency

Develop a professionalized clergy with a managerial, therapeutic orientation

Reactions to contractual organization

Charismatic movement

House church movement and small faith communities

Schism over role of women and gays in the church