Beliefs
Progressive Christianity
Our community is enthusiastically Christian, and made up of many perspectives, voices, and people (including those who have often been marginalized or excluded from church life). As Progressive Christians, we are passionate about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ; yet how we understand and apply those teachings varies. The beliefs, customs, and backgrounds of our members are diverse. We do not place barriers or litmus tests for you to join. Our guiding principle is respect, even in our differences. As a non-creedal church, we welcome doubters, seekers, and skeptics, as well as those of firm faith, as we all seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” As an extension of our Progressive Christianity, we are an Open & Affirming congregation, which means that no category of culture, ethnicity, background, socio-economic status, mental or physical ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation will ever be grounds for exclusion in the life and leadership of Park Church.
Open and Affirming
We are an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ.
Open and Affirming (ONA) is the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the UCC which make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Park Church is a place where all are equal. And we mean ALL.
Our Congregational Commitments:
…to build a community of relentless compassion and courageous hope, where all are seen and known, and the God of extravagant Love is revealed.
As Jesus demonstrated by his life and teachings, we fully welcome into the life of Park Church and value all people regardless of beliefs or doubts, age, race, ethnicity, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical, intellectual or emotional ability, or economic status. Park Church is a place where all are welcome and equal. We value and celebrate the rich diver-sity of all God’s creation. (adopted 2015, updated 2020 and 2025)
Park Church is a designated Safe Church of the United Church of Christ. Park Church is com-mitted to create a safe environment for all members, attendees, and visitors, especially children and youth, and to address any concerns about abuse, harassment or misconduct.
Park Church welcomes people of all abilities and disabilities into the full life of the congregation. Called to participate in Christ’s ministry, we pledge to continue expanding our views and attitudes as we evolve to meet the needs of our church and community.
In this way, Park Church is fully committed to being Accessible to All. (adopted 2025)