OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
* The purposes for which the Fellowship is established are:
To encourage fellowship and mutual counsel among Congregationalists worldwide;
* To encourage all Congregationalists, Congregational Churches, and Congregational associations, and other Congregational bodies in their work of proclaiming the Christian gospel and engaging in the works of God’s mission;
* To raise awareness of the distinctive values of Congregationalism throughout the wider Christian family;
* To encourage the exploration of Congregationalism through training, education and experience, especially though not exclusively among younger people;
* To foster and encourage stronger relationships between existing Congregational churches, associations and other Congregational bodies, and to develop the expression of Congregationalism among emerging churches throughout the world;
* To promote theological education, and research; especially where this is related to Congregational principles;
* To express solidarity with all people in upholding justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
What is Congregationalism?
Congregationalism is a form of church government that asserts the scriptural right of every separate church to maintain perfect independence in the government and administration of its own affairs, and where ultimate authority under God is understood as being within the gathering of those who form the local congregation rather than through priests, ministers or elders, thus usually making Congregational Churches non-hierarchical.
For Congregationalists “Church” either means the one universal Church made up of all Christians or a single and geographically local company of Christians, committed in fellowship to one another, whether by covenant or some other means.
It is distinct from an association of congregations subscribing to a common instrument, whether national or international, which Congregationalists would understand only as a denomination.
The nature of Congregationalism empowers and enables all Christians to exercise their ministry within their own church, according to God’s gifting. It also empowers and enables each church to respond to its local situation in mission activity, set free from unnecessary bureaucracy. It is a natural consequence of Congregationalism that there can never be a “typical Congregational Church”.
Because Congregationalists have always respected other Christian traditions they will often be found in dialogue with other denominations locally, nationally and around the world, and would generally always seek to work cooperatively. Congregationalists pursue unity with diversity.
History of ICF
The International Congregational Fellowship was established in July 1977 at an international consultation held in London, in the United Kingdom. Many of those present at that time came from Congregational Associations that had previously enjoyed fellowship through the World Congregational Alliance. During the late 1960s and early 1970s many Congregationalists had chosen to pursue a pathway of organic ecumenism, and had united with denominations with a different polity. However, continuing Congregationalists in churches around the world recognized the value of maintaining this international link.
ICF set up a Youth Program (now the Youth Commission) which, among other things, organizes a quadrennial Conference for young Congregationalists. ICF Youth plays an important part in the general life of ICF.
Congregationalists have always placed emphasis on the importance of well-qualified leadership. To encourage good theological reflection and practice ICF established a Theological Commission. The Commission publishes The Congregational Journal every six months and holds symposia from time to time in different parts of the world. Writers and speakers come from various countries.
