United Protestant Church of New Virginia
| United Protestant Church of New Virginia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | United and Uniting |
| Theology | Anglican Baptist Reformed |
| Polity | Connexional Presbyterian |
| Distinct fellowships | 3 Connexions |
| Region | New Virginia |
| Language | English |
| Origin | 2020 |
| Other name(s) | UPC-NVA |
| Official website | Official website |
The United Protestant Church of New Virginia (UPC-NVA) is Protestant Christian denomination in the Commonwealth of New Virginia. The Church is a united and uniting denomination which encompasses a variety of theological traditions, principally Anglican, Baptist, and Reformed.
Theology
The Charter of the United Protestant Church is its foundational document. As a united denomination, the Church encompasses a wide variety of traditions and theological understanding, included those considered both Liberal and Conservative. The Church adopts an approach which could be described as "mere Protestantism" or "constrained difference", allowing for generous liberty of opinion beyond matters considered absolutely essential to the faith. Contentious issues such as human sexuality, life issues, and the status of the sacraments and are left to the consciences of individual members and the policies of congregations and Connexions.
The Charter outlines the foundational uniting beliefs of the denomination. The UPC-NVA is a trinitarian, chalcedonian church as expressed within the various theological traditions emerging from the Protestant Reformation. The UPC Charter commits the denomination broadly to the beliefs in one triune God; the incarnation, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; salvation by grace through faith; and the ultimate authority of scripture in faith and life. The Church recognises baptism and the Lord's Supper as the only two sacraments (or ordinances).
Structure
National Church
The General Synod is the supreme decision making body of the United Protestant Church of New Virginia. The General Synod convenes no less frequently than once per calendar year. Its composition always ensures the representation of the congregations and connexions within the membership of the Church. The General Synod has the reserved authority to adopt Church Law in the form of Articles of the General Synod. Articles are permitted to adjudicate upon all matters of doctrine, government, worship, discipline, and membership of the Church.
The President of the General Synod is elected by the General Synod. The President serves as the Presiding Officer of the General Synod, the Chairperson of the General Council, and the principal public representative of the Church at National level. Alongside the President, the General Synod elects a further 2 to 6 of its members to form the General Council. The General Council administers the affairs of the Church at National level beyond the assemblies of the General Synod.
Congregations
Members of the United Protestant Church can form congregations as local assemblies of worship. Congregations do not currently form a significant element of church life, with all activity currently concentrated within Connexions at local level in addition to the National Church.
Connexions
Recognising the diversity in theology, worship, and mission throughout the Church membership, the Church gives individuals and congregations the right to form Connexions between those of similar traditions and understanding within the broader body of the Church. Connextions within the UPC-NVA are associations of members within particular theological traditions. Members choose whether or not to join a particular connexion, and connexions in turn determine the beliefs and worship style appropriate to their membership.
The Charter establishes three permanent Connexions; Anglican, Reformed, and Baptist. Members can form new connections by registering them with the General Council. Each connection chooses how it governs itself. Every connexion selects a nominal head, known as a Superintendent, who serves as the principal public representative of the connexion as well as ensuring the discipline and good governance of the connexion within the National Church. The Superintendent can be alternatively be named a bishop, moderator, or another similarly appropriate title.
| Connexion | Established | Superintendent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Holder | ||
| Anglican | Permanent under Charter 6 September 2020 |
Bishop of New Richmond | Vera Hewitt |
| Baptist | Permanent under Charter 6 September 2020 |
Superintendent | Vacant |
| Reformed | Permanent under Charter 6 September 2020 |
Moderator of the Synod | Vacant |