MCU began in 1997 as three smaller organizations, CUCA (Churches United for Community Action), C4 (Churches Committed to Community Concerns) and CACI (Congregations Allied for Community Improvement). Today MCU serves as the umbrella organization for four clusters: CUCA, C4, CACI and Isaiah. Recently, another initiative, known as Manos Unidas, has also emerged to address issues relative to the Hispanic community.

MCU’s work is carried out primarily by volunteer members who are actively involved in this important work. They are supported by a small, professional staff trained in community organizing techniques. The organizations’ reach is clear:

• MCU’s 62 member congregations represent 11 different denominations and more than 100,000 individuals — a powerful voice for change in the community.

• More than 500 individuals serve on MCU’s core teams, meeting monthly to work on issues, plan strategies and convene assemblies.

• 160 members serve on local boards and provide the leadership on issues brought to the public arena. Clergy meet regularly as part of MCU’s Clergy Caucus.

• MCU’s leadership teams include 8 people on MCU’s Cabinet,twenty-eight on its Executive Board, 6 on its Money Team, 8 on the Transportation Task Force, 7 on the Health Care Task Force, 8 on the Economic Development Task Force, 12 on the Educational Task Force and 12 on the Immigration Task Force.