Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations
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The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) was formed in 1979 by nineteen independent Jewish congregations that shared a belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah.
At its formation, the UMJC listed five primary objectives:
- To further the initiation, establishment, and growth of Messianic Jewish Congregations worldwide.
- To be a voice for Messianic Jewish Congregations and Messianic Judaism worldwide.
- To provide a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to Messianic Judaism and Messianic Jewish Congregations.
- To aid in the causes of our Jewish people worldwide, especially in Israel.
- To support the training of Messianic Leaders.
In 2006, the organization has 78 affiliated congregations and groups. It holds an annual international conference and numerous regional events, including conferences and forums for younger Messianic Jews. The UMJC actively helps to start Messianic congregations in various Jewish communities, publishes a semi-annual scholarly journal entitled Kesher, and sponsors a seminary, Messianic Jewish Theological Institute. These activities are guided by a definition of Messianic Judaism updated by the organization's delegates in 2005:
"The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) envisions Messianic Judaism as a movement of Jewish congregations and groups committed to Jesus the Messiah that embrace the covenantal responsibility of Jewish life and identity rooted in Torah, expressed in tradition, and renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant. Messianic Jewish groups may also include those from non-Jewish back-grounds who have a confirmed call to participate fully in the life and destiny of the Jewish people. We are committed to embodying this definition in our constituent congregations and in our shared institutions."
