Union of British Messianic Synagogues

The Union of British Messianic Synagogues (UBMS) is a nonprofit organization established to support and unite Messianic Jewish synagogues across the United Kingdom. It functions as a national structure for these congregations and offers support to those outside the UK upon request.

Activities

The UBMS engages in several activities that contribute to its mission:

• Accountability and Oversight: It provides oversight and accountability structures for rabbis and rabbinic interns within Messianic Jewish communities.
• Conferences and Training: The organization hosts conferences and training activities to foster spiritual growth and theological understanding.
• Community Support: It aims to advance the spiritual growth, welfare, and knowledge of member congregations through various initiatives.

Purpose

The primary purposes of the UBMS include:

• Unification: To bring together Messianic Jewish congregations and synagogues in the UK within a framework of cooperation and mutual support.
• Testimony: To serve as a united testimony of Messiah within the Jewish community, emphasizing the centrality of Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah.
• Spiritual Revival: To spearhead the spiritual revival of the Jewish people.
• Financial Assistance: To provide financial aid to member congregations and other Messianic ministries.

Governance and Operations

The UBMS operates as a charity, with its financial reporting up to date. During the financial year ending 31 August 2023, it reported a total income of £15,722 and a total expenditure of £12,003. The organization has two trustees and relies on volunteer support for its activities.

Affiliated Congregations

Among its affiliated congregations is Kehilat Sar Shalom, a Messianic Jewish community that aligns with the UBMS's mission and objectives.

Historical and Theological Context

The UBMS is part of a broader tradition of Messianic Judaism, which seeks to combine Jewish heritage with faith in Yeshua as the Messiah. This tradition in the UK has historical roots dating back to organizations like the Hebrew Christian Alliance of Great Britain, established in 1866, though the UBMS is distinct in its focus on Messianic Judaism rather than traditional Christian theology.

[1] https://www.ubmsonline.co.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/4022555/charity-overview [3] https://www.ubmsonline.co.uk/our-purpose/ [4] https://onemessianicgentile.com/special-features/fellowship-finder/directory/areas/united-kingdom.html?types%5B0%5D=1 [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Christian_Alliance_of_Great_Britain