As a United Church of Christ congregation, we stand in a long tradition of faithful people whose convictions compelled them to speak out for justice—abolitionists, civil rights leaders, feminists, peace activists, and advocates for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, to name a few. Our faith calls us not only to nurture our personal devotion to God, but also to participate in God’s dream of Beloved Community in public life. This outward expression of our faith is what we call public witness. At United Congregational, our public witness takes several forms and comes after careful discernment from the congregation.
United Congregational Church maintains a Black Lives Matter and a Progress Flag Banner on our front lawn at all times. These banners speak to our commitment to being an Open and Affirming congregation to the LGBTQIA+ community and our commitment to work towards racial justice.
From time to time, we also hang banners that speak to a specific issue or moment. The process whereby we decide which banners to display is in the public witness policy above.
Currently, we are displaying a banner that says, “Killing Survivors is a War Crime, Our Faith Compels us to Speak.” This banner was suggested by a Vietnam War veteran who was concerned about the news reports of our military killing survivors of the speed boat attacks in the Carribean. It was overwhelmingly supported by our congregation.
On the 11th of each month, we join with our neighbors at First Parish UU church (535 Canton Ave) from 3:00-3:30 for a public vigil called the 11th Hour Standout. The idea is to raise awareness that we are at the 11th hour of the possible fall of our democracy. Those who wish to hold vigil with us are invited to bring signs (with clean language), noise makers (percussion, bells, etc.), or simply show up.
Concert
4:00pm
Activities
5:00pm