THE UNITED CHURCH
DIE VEREINIGTE KIRCHE

Statement of Inclusion and Welcome

"So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God."

Ephesians 2:19

We, the members of The United Church, a union congregation of the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church, declare our church to be reconciling, open and affirming of all persons.

We believe that each person is created in the image of God our Creator.

We believe that Jesus Christ engaged in a ministry of healing and transformation to which we are also called.

We believe that the Holy Spirit is gifted to all who will receive it.

We believe that God offers to each person extravagant welcome, unrelenting grace, and unconditional love.

We believe each person is called to be an unexpendable part of the Body of Christ.

We believe that God is still speaking and calls the Church to open hearts, open minds, and open doors.

We believe that God loves all God’s children, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and we seek to embody that same love and acceptance. We commit ourselves to their inclusion in church and society.

Therefore, as a people of faith seeking to place no boundary on God’s boundless love, we welcome all persons who seek to follow Jesus, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, class, age, race, ethnicity, ability, language, nationality, marital status, or political affiliation, to membership and participation in the life and ministry of our congregation.

Adopted by the Congregation of The United Church on June 6, 2010