Since their split from the
Student Christian Movement in the early twentieth century, most Christian Unions in the United Kingdom are affiliated to the
Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF). Some UK Christian Unions have had difficult relationships with the students' union due to their policy of allowing leaders to choose their successors in order, they argue, to ensure a Christian leadership (students' unions often require democratic processes be followed), opinions on issues such as
homosexuality and the
role of women, and the requirement that leaders affirm a fixed
conservative evangelical Doctrinal Basis. Many, but not all, CUs require all members to sign this Doctrinal Basis. The latter includes doctrinal statements that go beyond the historic
ecumenical creeds,
e.g. recognising the Bible as the sole authority, and belief in
penal substitution. Christian Unions are active in
evangelism to fellow-students. As well as hosting traditional talks and debates, they may hold unconventional events such as "Text a
Toastie". These particular events involve providing a number to students, to which they text a question about God, the bible, or Christianity more generally, and in response two members of the Christian Union deliver a toastie to them and answer their question. While considered unusual by some, this has proven an effective way of communicating with other students for many CUs. ==See also==