I love my Denomination, the United Church of Christ!

[blue sky at night]

Check out their Take Action Web Site Page ; it reads like a Democratic Underground Laundry List. My only beef is that most of the folks in my Local Church have never visited the Website, let alone the Take Action Page. The letters you can send actually Kick Ass all over the place. (Go ahead, open up and read some of the letters, you'll like it! and......you may even want to send a few to your representatives)

http://www.ucctakeaction.org/action/

[Maat]

1. I liked that page too!

They're great. I donated to their commercial - even though I belong to Church of Religious Science (ucrs.org).

I wrote an e-mail just stating that I enjoy supporting all progressive churches. We need to honor the progressive and inclusive, and starve the Fundie RR (Religious Right) beast.

[LeftCoast]

2. Do you mind me asking how they feel about Wiccans?

I wouldn't mind checking out a service, but have no intention of converting if you know what I mean? :)

[prairierose]

4. LeftCoast, I think you would be welcome most places. As I ....

explained to someone else recently...look for one of the churches that has Congregational in the name. They are more likely to be more welcoming. Parts of the chrch came from a different background and some of the churches are a bit less welcoming but overall they are very inclusive & it certainly is and has been the policy of the national church for many years.

[LeftCoast]

6. Thanks for that information

I'll keep a look out for 'congregations.' I hadn't known that was helpful clue. :)

[Maat]

10. LeftCoast ... I know for certain ...

that Wiccans are welcome in both Unitarian-Universalist (at least the one I visit) and the Church of Religious Science (we honor all paths to the Great Spirit - you can divide up the One Energy any way you want).

[LeftCoast]

13. I knew about the UU's

I've been to several rituals UU churches. It's very nice of them to let us use the space. MCC is another church I'm familiar with.

I think if you're on a true spiritual path you have to respect and explore other faiths. I think you learn a lot about your own religion by seeing how others 'do it'.

[blue sky at night]

5. I don't know their official stand,

but you could contact the National Office in Cleveland to ask. I personally would never condemn another for their beliefs in Wiccan. However, I am struggling with folks with Right Wing Fascist Beliefs.......it makes me question my faith big time, you know the part about forgiveness, I just don't think I am going to be able to forgive those who would destroy our country.

[LeftCoast]

8. A good suggestion

Thanks. I think I know what you mean about the RWers. I've been feeling pretty bitter at times lately. This country is headed seriously in the wrong direction...I just hope a few more people wake up in time.

[DieboldMustDie]

14. If things don't work out for you with the UCC...

you might try the Unitarian-Universalists. I'm certain they're accepting of Wiccans.

[vicman]

3. UCofC

Has long been the most lberal protestant denomination in the country. In fact, that's why it was founded. It was my parents church when I was growing up and the atmosphere was the most friendly, non-threatening church I've ever experienced. Their TV adds that got banned from the airwaves simply told the whole story. Not only is it the most inclusive denomination, but there's even room for -- fundies grab your guns -- INDEPENDENT THOUGHT.

[RoyGBiv]

7. Is that the one with the commercial?

The inclusiveness commercial?

I finally saw that this morning when I woke up. It was in fact the first thing to greet my eyes when I opened them. (The television is my alarm clock.) It was a good start to the day.

[blue sky at night]

9. That would be the place........

they are funding a new national ad campaign...its a new way to evangelize for the progressive side, and I really think it is working as a backlash against the Religious Right. (as they are neither)

[Maat]

11. Even though I belong to Church of Religious Science...

I donated to their commercial-airing effort. I want the names of progressive, inclusive churches to be spread far and wide.

[flaminbats]

12. How can any Church be nondenominational?

I grew up in a Disciples of Christ church. Although I have many pleasant memories of that time, how can I call myself a Christian now? I was Baptized before understanding sex, politics, and that burning in hell thing..if I knew what I know now, this would of never happened! I was saved only because of ignorance not morality.

Now I believe that all life dies, and how we live is our only salvation. There is no eternal life, only eternal death. That doesn't bother me, what does is our willingness to destroy the limited delights we are able to experience. Jesus had many good things to say, much of which was distorted by a group of disciples.

The United Church of Christ and Disciples are among the least political dominations in existence, IMO this is their best quality.

[BrotherBuzz]

15. I grew up in the UCC

And have to admit it's a big tent when it comes to independent thought. Our original pastor was a close Roosevelt friend and fellow polio victim who was an ardent follower and teacher of Jung. Associate Pastor was a part-time Union negotiator and nearly full time civil rights worker during the sixties. I studied under a Zen Buddhist Priest who was spending time with us befoe he entered the Episcopal Seminary (interesting to view scriptures with a Zen bent). I believe we also had the first gay pastor in Northern California. Yep, UCC is a big tent denomination that embraces everyone in an inclusive environment rather than the exclusive proclivity of the conservative denominations. Heck, I grew up thinking all Christian churches were supposed to be liberal - boy, was I wrong! :)