The UCC is a progressive denomination that candidly engages both heart and mind; we are non-doctrinal and respectful of other faith traditions. We take the Bible seriously but not literally.
Here are a few of the ways that the UCC has been working through the years for justice and equity for all of God’s people.
- 1700: Early stand against slavery
- 1853: First woman pastor
- 1897: Denouncing economic oppression
- 1959: Public airwaves. UCC wins a legal ruling that ends the southern civil rights news blackout against Rev. Martin Luther King
- 1972: First openly gay minister
- 1976: First African American leader of integrated denomination
- 1995: Equality of the sexes (first hymnal that honors in equal measure both male and female images of God)
- 1997: Open & Affirming. Magnolia UCC, Seattle, formally became an Open & Affirming congregation, ensuring that everyone is welcome here.
- 2014: Marriage equality. UCC files lawsuit arguing North Carolina unconstitutionally restricted religious freedom by barring the blessing of same-sex couples.
- And the UCC continues to serve as a prophetic voice in these challenging times by taking a stand against unjust immigration policies and actions, standing for federally funded safety nets for our most vulnerable neighbors, fighting book bans and working to assure reproductive freedom for all. You can read more about the UCC’s work in these times here: https://www.ucc.org/news-hub/