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
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
House church movement and small faith communities
Schism over role of women and gays in the church