What is Progressive Christianity?

We often describe First United as a progressive church. What does that mean?

1. We practice sacred activism. Justice and peace in society are core values for us, and we seek to blend spirituality and social change.
2. We believe in gender equality and openness to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning their sexual orientation (shortened to LGBTQ). Leadership, membership, sacraments and ordination should be open to all people.
3. We have compassion for the poor and the oppressed and we seek to transform the root causes of injustice in our society. This is evident from our strong commitment to charity and advocacy.
4. We affirm that the teachings of Jesus are primary for us, and that we can draw from diverse sources of wisdom in our spiritual journey. We respect other faiths and seek to be in dialogue with other religious traditions.
5. The Earth is our home and we seek to protect and restore the integrity of Creation.
6. We take the Bible seriously, but not literally. Bible study and scholarship is a hallmark of our faith, and so we understand that a complete reading of the Bible requires understanding context, history and internal consistencies. We do not worship the Bible, but we understand it as the Word of God that points to Jesus Christ.
7. Our way of life is more important than accepting certain beliefs and doctrines of faith. Following Jesus and acting upon our convictions is much more vital than assenting to ideas about faith.
8. We embrace mystery, ambiguity and paradox. God is at the same time as close as our breathing and as distant as the farthest star. Jesus is both human and divine. The Holy Spirit comforts us and also drives us to go out in mission. Our faith tradition is not simple.
9. We are saved for abundant life in this world. We do not believe that salvation is a form of "fire insurance" that protects us from going to hell. We pray that God's realm would come to earth as it is in heaven, even while we look forward to resurrection after death.
10. We believe that God is still speaking. Jesus told his disciples that there were things he could not tell them, because they were not yet ready to be revealed. God's revelation is ongoing, and we hear and see and experience God's presence in daily life when we prayerfully pay attention.