To whom it may concern:
The UPCI is a controversial religious movement with a deeply troubled history.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
Former members have sued UPCI pastors claiming abuse.
UPCI pastors have little if any meaningful accountability to their congregations through democratically elected boards that can discipline and/or fire them and through independently audited financial statements that report in detail how the pastors use church tithes.
Each UPCI church is something like a little kingdom, ruled over by an authoritarian pastor.
The UPCI is known for its belief in the so-called "oneness" doctrine that denounces the doctrine of the trinity and condemns Christian churches that accempt the trinity as "pagans."
The UPCI also believes that baptism is necessary for salvation.
See [
www.culteducation.com]
This is not a mainstream Christian belief, but UPCI leaders insist that those who are not baptized in "Jesus name only" under its teaching cannot enter heaven. They attempt to prove this by citing certain bible verses, which are reviewed through the link above.
The UPCI is also known for its "holiness standards," which includes a rigid dress code and rules regarding hair (women cannot cut their hair, men must have short conservative haircuts and remain cleanshaven). Wearing jewelry and using make-up is also prohibited.
The overwhelming majority of Christians reject UPCI doctrines and the organization has been described as "heretical," "legalistic" and "cult-like."
Though the UPCI calls itself "Pentecostal" it does not fellowship typically with Pentecostal churches, such as the largest Pentecostal denomination the Assemblies of God.