UCO has its origins in ecumenical (i.e., Catholic, Protestant/ Evangelical, Orthodox) groups and movements. It continues to have an ecumenical membership.

UCO esteems the commitments of its members to their churches, and seeks to strengthen that participation. It also attempts to foster goodwill and understanding among students of differing Christian traditions.

UCO recognizes the various ecumenical advances and initiatives of our day as rooted in Christ's expressed desire for unity, as well as a practical and prophetic basis for campus evangelization.