Southern Jim Crow laws and racial hatred resulted in many white leaders withdrawing from the PAW rather than remaining under African American leadership.

The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance voted to merge with the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, but the terms of the proposed merger were rejected by that body.

[13] In the U.S. and Canada, the newly formed United Pentecostal Church International traditionally reflected the surrounding demographics, with the majority of its constituency being White and Anglo-American.

In the last quarter of the twentieth century, however, the United Pentecostal Church International attempted to shift its doctrines toward the inclusion of every race and culture in North America.

In 2008, the United Pentecostal Church International published a statement against racism, stating that it affirms the worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of race or ethnicity, and consequently opposes bigotry and hatred.

[14] Despite attempts to reconcile with minorities, several congregations have left the United Pentecostal Church International citing persistent racism.

[15][16] The UPCI's core theology is consistent with that of other Oneness Pentecostals,[17][18] rejecting the Trinity and instead believing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are different manifestations of God, as opposed to separate persons.

The UPCI considers any form of homosexuality, fornication, adultery, polygamy, bestiality, incest, and transgenderism[a] to be contrary to biblical teaching and states that God's plan is "heterosexuality, with definite boundaries between sexes in both appearance and behavior.

The UPCI opposes legalized abortion, as well as any legislation that would "bring about a climate designed to undermine the sanctity of human life."

"[23] Scripture elegantly solves the proper management of media technology with a single verse: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eye…” The UPCI states in its Articles of Faith that it disapproves of members owning televisions.

It stated that because "sinful media programming" is available through such mediums, the UPCI calls for responsible use that is solely in accordance with "wholesome Christian principles.

[27] The UPCI recommends that members refrain from participating in organized sports―excluding recreational activities within the local church―because it has an "attitude and appearance that opposes Pentecostal principles, teachings, and standards."

[29] The central organization embraces a modified presbyterian system: ministers meet in sectional, district, and general conferences to elect officers and to conduct the church's affairs.

[3] Attendees of the conference conduct business, receive training, network with colleagues, participate in worship sessions, and raise funds for various ministries.