Progressive Christianity

Our Progressive Christianity Story

In 2013, United Christian Church decided to become a part of the Progressive Christianity Movement. Since that decision we have been “living into” more fully what this decision means for us as a congregation. Important to us is an understanding that belief and dogma do not define who we are. Much more important is our behavior, how we act and live our lives. After all, how we live defines our beliefs. The following are some of the important ways that we try to live as Progressive Christians: 



Talking about God can be frustrating because we have no human words that can ever describe the fullness of God. And we cannot claim to know clearly that which lies beyond comprehension. We simply talk about God as Love, and that wherever there is love, there too is God.

Stripped by God

What would happen if I pursued God –
If I filled my pockets with openness,
Grabbed a thermos half full of fortitude,
And crawled into the cave of the Almighty
Nose first, eyes peeled, heart hesitantly following
Until I was face to face
With the raw, pulsing beat of Mystery?


What if I entered and it looked different
Than anyone ever described?
What if the cave was too large to be fully known,
Far too extensive to be comprehended by one person or group,
Too vast for one dogma or doctrine?


Would I shatter at such a thought?
Perish from paradox or puzzle?
Shrink and shrivel before the power?
Would God be diminished if I lived a question
Rather than a statement?
Would I lose my faith
As I discovered the magnitude of Grace?


O, for the willingness to explore
To leave my tiny vocabulary at the entrance
And stand before you naked
Striped of pretenses and rigidity,
Disrobed of self righteousness and tidy packages,
Stripped of all that holds me at a distance from you
And your world.


Strip me, O God,
Then clothe me in curiosity and courage.


                       -Cynthia Langston Kirk-

By calling ourselves progressive Christians, we mean we are Christians who…

Personal Pronouns

"In English, whether we realize it or not, people frequently refer to us using pronouns when speaking about us. Often, when speaking of a singular human in the third person, these pronouns have a gender implied -- such as “he” to refer to a man/boy or “she” to refer to a woman/girl. These associations are not always accurate or helpful."

As an Open and Affirming Congregation, we affirm the dignity, worth, importance, and personal gifts of all people—inclusive of gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnic background, marital status, economic circumstance, and/or difference of ability. As we continue to learn and grow in understanding, we pledge to provide a safe, supportive community in which all persons—as they share in worship, fellowship, and leadership—may find the guidance and love of God in their lives.

"Using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them." 

"Some examples of personal pronouns and how to use them:

Pronouns.org is an excellent easy to understand and brief guide to personal pronouns, how to use them, and why they matter.