The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations is an association of Messianic Jewish congregations and leaders formed to support formation and vitality of member congregations and Messianic Judaism

Messianic Judaism

Messianic Judaism is a syncretic religious movement that arose in the 1960s and 70s. It blends evangelical Christian theology with elements of Jewish terminology and ritual....

 (considered by most Christians and Jews to be a form of Christianity) worldwide.

Background

The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) was formed in 1979 by nineteen independent Messianic Jewish congregations. There are currently about 80 associating congregations.

The UMJC summarizes its mission of establishing, strengthening, and multiplying congregations for Yeshua (Jesus) among Jewish people with the phrase "Welcoming Messiah Home."

Just as Yeshua first appeared among the Jewish people, so the movement for Messiah began among the Jewish people. Today, we are seeing this indigenous Jewish movement for Yeshua being reborn, and Yeshua again having a place among the Jewish people, as well as in many individual Jewish hearts. Together, we are welcoming Messiah home today, and preparing the way for the future welcome that ushers in his return: "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'" (Matt. 23:39).

Paul Liberman, the General Secretary of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance (IMJA), was a co-founder of the organization.

Beliefs

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 the Jewish people worldwide, especially in Israel.
• To support the training of Messianic Leaders.

The UMJC is 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 Yeshua 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 backgrounds 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. "

Messianic Judaism is a religious identity which maintains a belief in both Hebrew and Christian scripture. The UMJC 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.

Opposition to the UMJC

Jewish religious movements are nearly unanimous in their rejection of "Messianic Judaism" as a form of Judaism, referring to such practice and belief as "Hebrew Christianity."