We are Progressive Christians. The United Church of Rowayton is an Open and Affirming church. What does this mean?
What is a Progressive Christian?
- We believe we are connected to God through Jesus, and we care how that shapes our lives today – not just in some distant future. Jesus’ instruction to love one another is at the center of our belief.
- We take the Bible seriously, but not always literally. We ask questions. We consider history and context. We take into account its metaphors and symbolism. We are open to learning and growing, and we don’t require everyone to believe exactly the same things.
- We value the journey of faith more than rigid theological certainty. Curiosity and questioning are welcome here. So are doubts. We embrace people with strong faith and people who are still figuring things out.
- We believe and work for economic, social, racial, and ecological justice.
- We accept human diversity, and so we are a welcoming people. This means we actively advocate for full inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, women in leadership, and racial equality.
- We do not see themselves as belonging to the only “right” kind of Christianity. We believe God is bigger than any one tradition. For us, Progressive Christianity is simply the place where our faith feels at home.
What is an Open and Affirming (ONA) church?
In the United Church of Christ (UCC), when a congregation becomes an Open and Affirming church, it makes a public promise to fully welcome LGBTQ+ people into every part of church life.
This promise – we call it a covenant – means that people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are invited into membership, ministry, leadership and sacraments.
At the United Church of Rowayton, this welcome is extended to people of all races, abilities, and backgrounds. We believe every person is a child of God, created with dignity and worth.
When we say, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here,” we really mean it.
Read our Open and Affirming statement.
