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Line 13: − + − + − + − == Membership ==+ − + + + − == Covenant ==+ − The ''Covenant'', the CCC's official statement of belief, is composed of twelve stanzas beginning with "We believe" and is defined as a "universal, evangelical statement of faith that outlines the importance of biblical inerrancy, substitutionary atonement, and salvation through Christ alone." It was intentionally written in broad, yet conservative language "to include most evangelical Protestants, while excluding various sects and denominations that the leadership fears seek to distort the gospel." Furthermore, "churches and ministries that join the CCC... have agreed to accept the Covenant and abide by the truths contained therein. The Covenant has thus become a key unifying factor in the movement."<ref name="Digital Journal" /><ref name="Covenant">{{cite book|title=Covenant of the CCC|publisher=Covenant Press|date=February 7, 2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U7ZGDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> Membership requires agreeing with its tenets either ''de facto'' or ''de jure''.<ref name="Constitution">{{cite book|title=Constitution of the Covenant Christian Coalition|publisher=Covenant Press|date=January 31, 2017|page=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SbZGDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> Congregational leaders that formally sign the ''Covenant'' are encouraged to use it in place of, or supplementary to, their own statement of faith.<ref>Official CCC Website, [http://www.ccc.one/p/purpose.html www.ccc.one] Purpose, last accessed January 26, 2018</ref>
Covenant Christian Coalition (view source)
Revision as of 17:01, February 9, 2018
, 17:01, February 9, 2018Resolved issues related to the article originally being copied from Wikipedia.
The '''Covenant Christian Coalition''' ('''CCC''') is a global organization of [[evangelicalism|evangelical Christian]] churches founded in 2015<ref>FaithSteet, [http://www.faithstreet.com/church/covenant-christian-coalition-new-york-ny www.faithstreet.com] Covenant Christian Coalition, last accessed March 20, 2017</ref> in [[Dallas]], [[United States]], with headquarters in southern [[Manhattan]].<ref>Yelp, [https://www.yelp.com/biz/covenant-christian-coalition-new-york www.yelp.com] Covenant Christian Coalition, last accessed March 20, 2017</ref><ref>Google Maps, [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Covenant+Christian+Coalition/@40.7048253,-74.0094718,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c25a161005179b:0x33b7ed43b75dc5ad!8m2!3d40.7048253!4d-74.0072831 www.google.com] Covenant Christian Coalition, last accessed June 20, 2017</ref> The organization recognizes 2,179,414 local churches and approximately 718 million individuals at last count, from around 454 denominations.<ref>CCC, [http://www.ccc.one/p/coalition.html Coalition] CCC main website, last accessed January 29, 2017</ref> The CCC helps unaffiliated Christians find local congregations, funds orphanages throughout the developing world, and supports Christian schools and water well projects in South America, Africa, and other countries. It also represents and advocates on behalf of evangelical Christians locally, nationally, and internationally. It has been reported that the CCC "is seeking to position itself as a conservative alternative umbrella group for evangelicals globally."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/for-3-european-alliances-evangelical-catholic-unity-is-going-too-far-wea-says-it-has-not-changed/60493.htm | title = For 3 European alliances, Evangelical-Catholic unity is going too far; WEA says it has not changed | work= Ecumenical News | date=February 1, 2018 |accessdate=January 26, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180202025433/http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/for-3-european-alliances-evangelical-catholic-unity-is-going-too-far-wea-says-it-has-not-changed/60493.htm | archivedate=February 2, 2018}}</ref>
The '''Covenant Christian Coalition''' ('''CCC''') is an international organization that advocates on behalf of [[evangelicalism|evangelical Christian]] churches.<ref>FaithSteet, [http://www.faithstreet.com/church/covenant-christian-coalition-new-york-ny www.faithstreet.com] Covenant Christian Coalition, last accessed March 20, 2017</ref> It was founded in [[Dallas]], [[Texas]] in 2015 from where original members hail, but it also has an office in [[New York City|New York]] used for coordinating international efforts.<ref>Yelp, [https://www.yelp.com/biz/covenant-christian-coalition-new-york www.yelp.com] Covenant Christian Coalition, last accessed March 20, 2017</ref><ref>Google Maps, [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Covenant+Christian+Coalition/@40.7048253,-74.0094718,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c25a161005179b:0x33b7ed43b75dc5ad!8m2!3d40.7048253!4d-74.0072831 www.google.com] Covenant Christian Coalition, last accessed June 20, 2017</ref> The CCC currently recognizes some 454 Christian denominations, 2,179,414 local churches, and approximately 718 million individuals.<ref>CCC, [http://www.ccc.one/p/coalition.html Coalition] CCC main website, last accessed January 29, 2017</ref>
The CCC assists unaffiliated Christians find local congregations in which to place membership, funds orphanages throughout the developing world, and supports Christian schools and water well projects in South America, Africa, and other countries. The organization also lobbies for evangelical causes and values internationally. It has been reported that the CCC "is seeking to position itself as a conservative alternative umbrella group for evangelicals globally."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/for-3-european-alliances-evangelical-catholic-unity-is-going-too-far-wea-says-it-has-not-changed/60493.htm | title = For 3 European alliances, Evangelical-Catholic unity is going too far; WEA says it has not changed | work= Ecumenical News | date=February 1, 2018 |accessdate=January 26, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180202025433/http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/for-3-european-alliances-evangelical-catholic-unity-is-going-too-far-wea-says-it-has-not-changed/60493.htm | archivedate=February 2, 2018}}</ref>
==History==
==History==
The '''Covenant Christian Coalition''' was founded in [[Dallas]], [[Texas]], in 2015 as a response to what was perceived to be biblical, moral, and theological compromise on the part of other ecumenical organizations such as the [[World Council of Churches]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://riforma.it/it/articolo/2018/01/18/lalleanza-evangelica-mondiale-conferma-la-sua-posizione-storica-sullunita | title = L’Alleanza evangelica mondiale conferma la sua posizione storica sull’unità | work= Riforma | date=January 18, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180208051040/https://riforma.it/it/articolo/2018/01/18/lalleanza-evangelica-mondiale-conferma-la-sua-posizione-storica-sullunita | archivedate=February 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.christiantoday.com/article/world-evangelical-alliance-responds-to-charges-it-has-a-secret-ecumenical-agenda/123912.htm | title = World Evangelical Alliance Responds to Charges it Has a Secret 'Ecumenical Agenda' | work= Christian Today | date=January 17, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180117203134/https://www.christiantoday.com/article/world-evangelical-alliance-responds-to-charges-it-has-a-secret-ecumenical-agenda/123912.htm | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref>
The '''Covenant Christian Coalition''' was founded in 2015 over concerns about the theological and political positions of such organizations as the World Council of Churches and the World Evangelical Alliance—especially concerns about those organizations' changing positions on historic evangelical doctrines.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://riforma.it/it/articolo/2018/01/18/lalleanza-evangelica-mondiale-conferma-la-sua-posizione-storica-sullunita | title = L’Alleanza evangelica mondiale conferma la sua posizione storica sull’unità | work= Riforma | date=January 18, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180208051040/https://riforma.it/it/articolo/2018/01/18/lalleanza-evangelica-mondiale-conferma-la-sua-posizione-storica-sullunita | archivedate=February 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.christiantoday.com/article/world-evangelical-alliance-responds-to-charges-it-has-a-secret-ecumenical-agenda/123912.htm | title = World Evangelical Alliance Responds to Charges it Has a Secret 'Ecumenical Agenda' | work= Christian Today | date=January 17, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180117203134/https://www.christiantoday.com/article/world-evangelical-alliance-responds-to-charges-it-has-a-secret-ecumenical-agenda/123912.htm | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref>
The organization's mission is "Promoting unity in the Invisible Church while delivering the only message with the power to save people" and is defined as "An international, Evangelical, post-denominational coalition of churches still faithful to Christ and the Gospel."<ref>Jesus Site, [http://www.jesussite.com/ministries/evangelistic/ www.jesussite.com] Evangelistic Ministries, last accessed June 20, 2017</ref> The CCC heavily emphasizes the [[five solae|Five Solas]] in doctrine, as well as [[the Gospel]], the [[Invisible Church]], and [[Conservative Christianity]].
The CCC describes itself as "An international, Evangelical, post-denominational coalition of churches still faithful to Christ and the Gospel."<ref>Jesus Site, [http://www.jesussite.com/ministries/evangelistic/ www.jesussite.com] Evangelistic Ministries, last accessed June 20, 2017</ref>
From a theological and doctrinal perspective, the CCC emphasizes historical Protestantism, especially the [[Five Solas]], [[the Gospel]], the [[Invisible Church]], and [[Conservative Christianity]].
Numerous churches are associated with the CCC including Faros Christian Fellowship in the [[Canary Islands]], pastored by Gerhard Zierl.<ref name="Faros">{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://www.faros.ws/about_us.html|website=Faros Christian Fellowship|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref> The church is a member of Vinelife UK.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Vinelife Church Manchester|url=http://vinelife.co.uk/|website=Vinelife|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref> Other member churches include Salvation Church of Christ in [[Kampala]]<ref name="Digital Journal">{{cite web|url= http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3620224 | title = Modern Evangelical Creed Unveiled | work= Digital Journal | date=January 13, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126151606/http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3620224 | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref> and Iglesia Evangelica Discipulos de Cristo de Colombia in [[Bogotá]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://article.wn.com/view/WNAT2ad06e53aaaed6d238b7097ac2262703/ | title = Recently Launched Christian Organization Sets Out to Change the World | work= World News (WN.com) | date=January 8, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126150333/https://article.wn.com/view/WNAT2ad06e53aaaed6d238b7097ac2262703/ | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.kswo.com/story/37211712/recently-launched-christian-organization-sets-out-to-change-the-world | title = Recently Launched Christian Organization Sets Out to Change the World | work= ABC 7 | date=January 8, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126154914/http://www.kswo.com/story/37211712/recently-launched-christian-organization-sets-out-to-change-the-world | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref><ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url= http://www.cbs8.com/story/37269809/evangelical-churches-launch-new-worldwide-interdenominational-movement | title = Evangelical Churches Launch New Worldwide, Interdenominational Movement | work= CBS 8 | date=January 8, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126150107/http://www.cbs8.com/story/37269809/evangelical-churches-launch-new-worldwide-interdenominational-movement | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref>
Numerous churches are associated with the CCC including Faros Christian Fellowship in the [[Canary Islands]], pastored by Gerhard Zierl.<ref name="Faros">{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://www.faros.ws/about_us.html|website=Faros Christian Fellowship|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref> The church is a member of Vinelife UK.<ref>{{cite web|title=Welcome to Vinelife Church Manchester|url=http://vinelife.co.uk/|website=Vinelife|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref> Other member churches include Salvation Church of Christ in [[Kampala]]<ref name="Digital Journal">{{cite web|url= http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3620224 | title = Modern Evangelical Creed Unveiled | work= Digital Journal | date=January 13, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126151606/http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3620224 | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref> and Iglesia Evangelica Discipulos de Cristo de Colombia in [[Bogotá]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://article.wn.com/view/WNAT2ad06e53aaaed6d238b7097ac2262703/ | title = Recently Launched Christian Organization Sets Out to Change the World | work= World News (WN.com) | date=January 8, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126150333/https://article.wn.com/view/WNAT2ad06e53aaaed6d238b7097ac2262703/ | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.kswo.com/story/37211712/recently-launched-christian-organization-sets-out-to-change-the-world | title = Recently Launched Christian Organization Sets Out to Change the World | work= ABC 7 | date=January 8, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126154914/http://www.kswo.com/story/37211712/recently-launched-christian-organization-sets-out-to-change-the-world | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref><ref name="CBS">{{cite web|url= http://www.cbs8.com/story/37269809/evangelical-churches-launch-new-worldwide-interdenominational-movement | title = Evangelical Churches Launch New Worldwide, Interdenominational Movement | work= CBS 8 | date=January 8, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20180126150107/http://www.cbs8.com/story/37269809/evangelical-churches-launch-new-worldwide-interdenominational-movement | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref>
Subsidiary ministries include ''God's Song''<ref>{{cite web|title=The entire Bible through video and music|url=http://www.godssong.org/|website=God's Song|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref>, ''Hē Hodos''<ref>{{cite web|title=Discover the truth about God.|url=http://www.hehodos.com/|website=Hē Hodos|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref>, and the organization's publisher ''Covenant Press''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The premiere publisher of up-and-coming Christian authors.|url=http://www.covenantpress.org/|website=Covenant Press|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Ray|first1=Gary|last2=Eldredge|first2=Jeff|title=500 Years|publisher=Covenant Press|isbn=978-1973210047|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Ray|first1=Gary|title=Some Things You Should Know|publisher=Covenant Press|isbn=978-1461009634|page=1|edition=2}}</ref> ''Covenant Press'' runs a ministry called the ''Free Bible Project'' that provides free digital and print Bibles and it also publishes and distributes its own print Bibles.<ref>{{cite web|title=About GetFreeBibles.com|url=http://www.getfreebibles.com/p/about-getfreebiblescom.html|website=GetFreeBibles.com|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref>
Subsidiary ministries include ''God's Song''<ref>{{cite web|title=The entire Bible through video and music|url=http://www.godssong.org/|website=God's Song|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref>, ''Hē Hodos''<ref>{{cite web|title=Discover the truth about God.|url=http://www.hehodos.com/|website=Hē Hodos|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref>, and the organization's publisher ''Covenant Press''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The premiere publisher of up-and-coming Christian authors.|url=http://www.covenantpress.org/|website=Covenant Press|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Ray|first1=Gary|last2=Eldredge|first2=Jeff|title=500 Years|publisher=Covenant Press|isbn=978-1973210047|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Ray|first1=Gary|title=Some Things You Should Know|publisher=Covenant Press|isbn=978-1461009634|page=1|edition=2}}</ref> ''Covenant Press'' runs a ministry called the ''Free Bible Project'' that provides free digital and print Bibles and it also publishes and distributes its own print Bibles.<ref>{{cite web|title=About GetFreeBibles.com|url=http://www.getfreebibles.com/p/about-getfreebiblescom.html|website=GetFreeBibles.com|accessdate=February 8, 2018}}</ref>
The CCC is registered with the [[United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://esango.un.org/civilsociety/simpleSearch.do?method=search&searchTypeRedef=simpleSearch&sessionCheck=false&searchType=simpleSearch&organizationNamee=covenant+christian+coalition | title = United Nations Civil Society Database | website= United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs | date=January 26, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212032/http://esango.un.org/civilsociety/simpleSearch.do?method=search&searchTypeRedef=simpleSearch&sessionCheck=false&searchType=simpleSearch&organizationNamee=covenant+christian+coalition | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref> and the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] is slated to vote on consultative status for the CCC in the summer of 2018.
The CCC is registered with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs<ref>{{cite web|url= http://esango.un.org/civilsociety/simpleSearch.do?method=search&searchTypeRedef=simpleSearch&sessionCheck=false&searchType=simpleSearch&organizationNamee=covenant+christian+coalition | title = United Nations Civil Society Database | website= United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs | date=January 26, 2018 |accessdate=February 8, 2018| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212032/http://esango.un.org/civilsociety/simpleSearch.do?method=search&searchTypeRedef=simpleSearch&sessionCheck=false&searchType=simpleSearch&organizationNamee=covenant+christian+coalition | archivedate=January 26, 2018}}</ref> and the United Nations Economic and Social Council is slated to vote on consultative status for the CCC in the summer of 2018.
== Composition==
== Membership ==
The CCC currently recognizes at least 454 Christian denominations, non-denominational groups, and Chinese [[house church]] networks, among which are over two million individual congregations. At last count there were about 718 million individuals represented, which if the organization was a denomination would make it second only to the Roman Catholic Church in total membership.<ref name="Coalition">Official CCC Website, [http://www.ccc.one/p/coalition.html www.ccc.one] Coalition, last accessed January 26, 2018</ref>
The Covenant Christian Coalition currently recognizes at least 454 Christian denominations, non-denominational groups, and Chinese [[house church]] networks, among which are over two million individual congregations. Altogether, it represents some 718 million individuals, making its scope larger than either the World Council of Churches or the World Evangelical Alliance.<ref name="Coalition">Official CCC Website, [http://www.ccc.one/p/coalition.html www.ccc.one] Coalition, last accessed January 26, 2018</ref>
The Covenant Christian Coalition's members are primarily Protestant, and all evangelical, since membership requires agreement with its evangelical ''Covenant'' and seven tenets of belief called ''Convictions''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Convictions of the Covenant Christian Coalition|publisher=Covenant Press|date=February 7, 2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T7ZGDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> While churches and ministries can join the organization directly, denominations and church associations cannot. Instead, the CCC bestows honorary membership on those denominations that adhere to what the organization considers to be "core biblical doctrines" in an effort to estimate the number and extent of convictional evangelicals worldwide.<ref name="Coalition" />
The Covenant Christian Coalition represents evangelical Christians broadly and those Protestant denominations and churches aligned with evangelicalism. While Protestant churches are the only affiliated congregations at present, there is nothing that inherently restricts even individual Roman Catholic, [[Coptic Church|Coptic]], or [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches from joining so long as they agree to the organization's ''Convictions''<ref>{{cite book|title=Convictions of the Covenant Christian Coalition|publisher=Covenant Press|date=February 7, 2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T7ZGDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> and the CCC's ''Covenant''. While churches and ministries can join the organization directly, denominations and church associations cannot. Instead, the CCC bestows honorary membership on those denominations that adhere to what the organization considers to be "core biblical doctrines" in an effort to estimate the number and extent of convictional evangelicals worldwide.<ref name="Coalition" />
== Doctrine ==
The ''Covenant'' is a "universal, evangelical statement of faith that outlines the importance of biblical inerrancy, substitutionary atonement, and salvation through Christ alone." This creed is the official statement of belief of the CCC and is composed of twelve stanzas beginning with "We believe." It was intentionally written in broad, yet conservative language "to include most evangelical Protestants, while excluding various sects and denominations that the leadership fears seek to distort the gospel." Furthermore, "churches and ministries that join the CCC... have agreed to accept the Covenant and abide by the truths contained therein. The Covenant has thus become a key unifying factor in the movement."<ref name="Digital Journal" /><ref name="Covenant">{{cite book|title=Covenant of the CCC|publisher=Covenant Press|date=February 7, 2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U7ZGDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> Membership requires agreeing with its tenets either ''de facto'' or ''de jure''.<ref name="Constitution">{{cite book|title=Constitution of the Covenant Christian Coalition|publisher=Covenant Press|date=January 31, 2017|page=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SbZGDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref> Pastors and ministers can sign the ''Covenant'' and use it as a statement of faith at their church.<ref>Official CCC Website, [http://www.ccc.one/p/purpose.html www.ccc.one] Purpose, last accessed January 26, 2018</ref>
Along with the ''Convictions'' and the CCC's constitution and bylaws, the ''Covenant'' forms the basis for the CCC's organization and doctrine.<ref name="Constitution" />
== Leadership ==
== Leadership ==