Though people at Beloved Community Church come from a range of denominational, non-denominational, and never-went-to-church-before backgrounds, we were founded in 2000 as covenant congregation of the United Church of Christ (the UCC).

The UCC is a progressive mainline Protestant denomination that

• ordained its first African American pastor minister in 1785
• ordained its first woman pastor in 1853
• participated actively in the movement for the abolition of slavery and Reconstruction era efforts to build schools, colleges, and churches for people freed from slavery
• ordained its first openly LGBTQ pastor in 1972
• elected an African American pastor to lead the denomination for the first time in 1976
• affirmed marriage equality for same-sex couples in 2005

The information here reflects the doctrines of that historic denomination and the shape of our diverse faith commitments to God and to one another.

Here are some principles and perspectives of the UCC:

We bring together diverse points of view

“That they may all be one” (John 17:21). This motto of the United Church of Christ reflects the spirit of unity on which the church is based and points toward future efforts to heal the divisions in the body of Christ. We are a uniting church as well as a united church.

In essentials unity, in nonessentials diversity, in all things charity

The unity that we seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of view nor a rigid formulation of doctrine. It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of the Christian faith and life are essential. The common thread that runs through all is love.

Testimonies of faith rather than tests of faith

Because faith can be expressed in many ways, the United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of faith. Down through the centuries, however, Christians have shared their faith with one another through creeds, confessions, catechisms, and other statements of faith.

“God Is Still Speaking”: there is more light and truth to break forth from God’s Holy Word

This statement recognizes that the Bible, though written in specific historical times and places, still speaks to us in our present condition. Our study of the  Scriptures is not limited by past interpretations but is to be pursued with expectancy for new insights and help for the living today.

The priesthood of all believers

All members of the United Church of Christ are called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion.

Responsible freedom

As individual members, we are free to believe and act in accordance with our perception of God’s will for our lives. But we are called to live in a loving, covenantal relationship with one another – gathering in community.