Just Peace: Liberation UCC has at its foundation the fullness of all humanity. The purpose of this congregation is to worship God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, and to explore what it means to follow the way of Jesus Christ. We seek to realize community within this church and the church universal, to render loving service to humanity, and to strive for right relationship, justice, and peace in this faith community, and in the world.
In faithful response to the unconditional love offered to us in Christ, we the members of Liberation UCC seek to share this love with others. We believe that God is calling us to ministries that further justice and peace in our world, in our community, and in our lives. Our calling is stated clearly in the first letter of John: Love must not be a matter of words or talk; love must be genuine and show itself in action. Therefore, we covenant with ourselves, and by the Spirit’s leading, to be a Just Peace Church. The following is a statement of our core values and shared beliefs:
We as Liberation UCC are committed to seek and affirm:
- The spiritual Well-being of Marginalized People;
- The Inter-Connectedness of All of Creation; and
- The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person
We are committed to the spiritual well-being of marginalized people.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Youth
- We wish to lessen the challenges for the next generation by promoting opportunities that allow GLBT youth to overcome stigma and harassment.
- We promote safe boundaries for youth to experience God’s love and acceptance.
- We strive to serve as role models for the integration of Christianity and GLBT identities
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Seniors
- GLBT seniors are an integral part of our community
- We enjoy intergenerational dialogue and relationships as a vibrant community.
- GLBT seniors are a unique but largely invisible group that deserve special attention and ministry
People Living with AIDS/HIV
- We are committed to our own personal and congregational transformation through our interaction with those in the HIV spectrum
- We desire to be a supportive resource to existing AIDS/HIV organizations by developing relationships of mutual ministry
We are committed to the inter-connectedness of all of creation.
- We are inextricably connected to all of God’s creation
- We care and have a deep concern for our environment (physical, social, emotional and spiritual)
- We are called to a sense of greater consciousness, awareness and consideration of the consequences of our actions
We are committed to the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Acceptance
- Liberation UCC is a place of unconditional positive regard
- We strive to reflect our broader environment through the diversity our members, friends and partners
- We seek relationships of mutual learning and transformation
Economic Justice
- We are connected to our neighbors and their economic circumstances.
- Economic justice is the foundation for everything else. Jesus calls us to work for economic justice for all
- We are committed to actions that address the survival needs of all so that they then respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Civil Rights
- We stand for civil liberty for GLBT people
- As a church, we are a witness and sign of human rights for all people, especially GLBT individuals
- Our visibility and social/political intervention is a sign of our witness.
Through these statements, we believe that God is calling Liberation UCC together – in union with creation – to live out the Gospel’s message of peace and justice. As such, this covenant represents a call to action - a summons to integrate our words with our deeds. As a congregation, we hold ourselves accountable to these beliefs through our committed and responsive actions.
