Our Covenant

We Covenant To:
Be a progressive Christian community,
That values inclusivity and embraces diversity.
We Endeavor to:
Be a congregation of extravagant welcome,
That respects the spiritual life and journey of each person.
We Listen to:
The “Still Speaking God”
Who emboldens us to Seek Justice, Love Kindness,
and Walk Humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

What We Believe

At First Congregational United Church of Christ in Salem, Oregon, we are a community grounded in love, justice, and radical inclusion. As a progressive Christian church, we affirm that God is still speaking, calling us to new understandings of faith, hope, and love in our ever-changing world.

Faith That Embraces Questions

We believe faith is a journey, not a destination. We honor the wisdom of scripture while embracing the questions and insights that arise from deep reflection and dialogue. We see doubt not as a weakness, but as a doorway to deeper understanding and spiritual growth.

A Welcoming and Open Community

We believe in extravagant welcome. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. Our community is committed to being open and affirming of all people, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of all abilities, and those from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

A Church of Action

Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. We engage in hands-on service, advocacy, and ministries that seek to address homelessness, climate justice, racial equity, and the well-being of our neighbors. We believe that a faithful church is an active church, working together to bring about God’s vision of love and justice in the world.

The Gospel of Justice and Love

Jesus’ life and ministry teach us that love is the foundation of all things. His radical inclusivity, deep compassion, and call to justice shape our mission. We seek to follow his example by standing with the marginalized, advocating for justice, and creating a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Covenantal Relationship

As a congregation of the United Church of Christ, we do not require creeds or doctrinal tests for belonging. Instead, we enter into a covenantal relationship with one another, striving to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. We encourage individual exploration of faith within the context of a loving, supportive, and accountable community.

Sacred Traditions, Bold Future

We value the rich traditions of the church while embracing the movement of the Spirit in new and creative ways. Our worship is rooted in sacred story and meaningful ritual while also being fresh, engaging, and relevant to our time. We are committed to renewal and resurrection, believing that the Spirit continually calls us to evolve and grow.

At First Congregational UCC, faith is about relationship—our relationship with God, with one another, and with the world. We invite you to be part of this journey with us, as we seek to live out the radical, transformative love of Jesus Christ.

Our Declarations

"We are an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation that welcomes everyone without regard to race, gender identity and expression, citizenship status, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, economic class, marital or educational status, physical or mental abilities, or appearance. We encourage all people to share their talents, gifts, and energy in the liturgy, life, and leadership of our congregation. We affirm that it is our call to work for peace and wholeness by overcoming attitudes and acts of injustice, discrimination, violence, and hatred in ourselves and others." First adopted in 1997

"We are a Just Peace Church. We seek to keep the vision of shalom central to our corporate and individual lives, working to deepen our understanding of the many dimensions of peace and justice in our time. Through our worship, programs, and outreach, we seek to be a community of reconciliation, hope, and courage, as we work and pray for peace and justice in our world." First adopted in 1996