WHAT WE DO
Is there Bible study? What’s the schedule normally like?
Yes! Bible courses are at the core of life in CU. You will receive in-depth instruction from our experienced and theologically-trained Ministry Fellows, as well as thorough, written study guides. You’ll also form some of your closest friendships, as your frosh guys’ or frosh women’s group will remain together for all eight semesters at Yale. Bible courses meet once per week; day and time can vary from semester to semester, based on students’ availability. Normally, meetings last 60-90 minutes.
How many people are in CU?
~80.
How often do you meet?
In addition to Bible courses, we have a weekly gathering called Rooted (cf. Col. 2:6–7). This normally includes dinner, worship through song, and a talk by a guest speaker or CU Ministry Fellow, with students free to hang out afterward. Recent talks include discussions of faith and science with Danielle Speller (nuclear & particle astrophysicist, now Asst. Professor at Johns Hopkins); faith and poetry with Sarah Mahurin (Dean of Timothy Dwight College); and faith and failure with Greg Phelan (Assoc. Prof. of Economics, Williams College).
Are their leadership/worship team opportunities?
Yes! Our core mission is to develop and connect transformative Christian leaders. We have several teams of leaders who serve our community including Rooted, Outreach, Worship, Socials, and Communications.
Does CU host church gatherings?
While CU does not hold weekly Sunday services, we encourage students to join a local church and we recommend several good options on our Resources page.
ABOUT CU
Is CU interdenominational?
Yes. As reflected in our name, Christian Union places a high value on unity within the body of Christ. We believe in the supreme and final authority of the Bible, and we accept areas of doctrinal teaching that are generally agreed upon among all Christians while allowing the freedom of conviction on other doctrinal matters, unless it seriously hinders the ministry to which God has called us. We come from a variety of denominational backgrounds, Catholic and Protestant, and we are diverse in our ethnic, socio-economic, and geographic backgrounds, courses of study, and political leanings. As one recent graduate reflected on the girls she met in her first-year Bible course: “It seemed like the only thing we had in common was that we loved Jesus.”
Does CU have a document of beliefs?
Yes. Beyond Yale, Christian Union as a broader organization holds to a Statement of Faith and Statement of Ethics.
Do you have a clear welcoming environment for queer Christian Yalies?
Anyone at all who is interested in drawing near to God through Christ Jesus is welcome to join with us in doing so. Students who identify at various points on the LGBTQ spectrum have formed friendships in CU through Bible courses and other events, even as we unabashedly teach the biblical vision of humanity as created male and female, and sexuality as defined in terms of lifelong, covenant marriage between a man and a woman, which serves as a symbol of the everlasting union of the Lord with His bride, the Church. Students in positions of leadership are expected to abstain from all forms of sexual immorality (regardless of orientation), including pornography and sex outside of marriage. And we love those with whom we disagree.
How is race handled within the group?
As mentioned above, we’re a genuinely diverse bunch (see the photo on our homepage), and we intend to remain so, by the grace of God. From its founding, Christian Union has affirmed in its statement of ethics that racism cannot be tolerated in any form. Whatever your story may be, you’ll find folks eager to get to know you and walk with you together in pursuit of the One who has reconciled us all in Himself.