General CARDD FAQs
How many churches and members do we have in the United Church of Christ?
As of December 31, 2022, we have 4,603 congregations and 712,296 members in the United States.
What is the average church size within the UCC?
The average church size is 153members.
What is the average and median worship attendance within the UCC?
The average worship attendance size is 52. The median worship attendance size is 37.
What is a church merger?
A church merger is when two (2) or more churches close and become one (1) new UCC church.
Where can I learn more about (OCWM) Our Church’s Wider Mission?
You can learn more here: Our Church’s Wider Mission.
Where can I get a 501c3 letter for my church?
You’ll need to contact Cindy Gaffney by email at gaffneyc@ucc.org.
Our church is looking for guidance on retaining and/or archiving our records. What do you suggest?
CARDD does not provide direct assistance in this area. However, the Office of General Counsel has some information and a sample records retention policy for conferences that also applies to churches. In addition, the Congregational Library & Archives in Boston has several helpful resources for managing and archiving church records.
Can I call you and get a minister’s contact information?
No, we do not share contact information. Please order a Yearbook and Directory or subscribe to Access UCC, and they may be listed there.
I’m looking for my great-great grandmother’s wedding certificate. The church no longer exists. Can you help locate the information?
No. If the congregation is now closed, you may have luck contacting the conference office where the congregation is/was located.
Can you help me find a copy of my baptism certificate?
We do not maintain individual church baptism records. Please contact the congregation where the baptism was performed. If this congregation is now closed, you will have to contact the conference where the congregation is/was located.
Can you help me find a UCC congregation in my area?
Yes! Please visit our Find a Church page, which displays a searchable map of UCC congregations across the country.
Can you create a demographic report for me?
No, we do not create demographic reports for particular geographic areas. However, some conferences may be able to provide their churches with a demographic report. Alternately, the Association of Religion Data Archives (the ARDA) offers a free resource that provides a demographic report. Visit their Community Profile Builder page for all the details. (Be sure to read the overview guides posted on this page.)