Love of Neighbor
The United Church of Christ's mission is to welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all. On this page, you can find resources to use as a congregation to be a church of extravagant welcome, seeking a just and peaceful world.
RESOURCES
Doing justice, seeking peace and building community are central to the identity of the United Church of Christ. We invite you to explore the breadth and depth of the UCC’s justice work. Join us in building a stronger faith-based movement for peace, justice, equality and inclusivity. Our work is rooted in the teachings of scripture and the policies of our General Synod.
Start here:
Economic Justice
Environmental Justice
Racial Justice
Disabilities and Mental Health Justice
Immigration Justice
Gender and Sexuality Justice
The resolution Called to wholeness in Christ: Becoming a church accessible to all (2005 General Synod) called for all churches to extend an 'extravagent welcome' to those with physical, mental and developmental disabilities.
Congregations and individuals in the Southwest Conference are working to be accessible to all (A2A).
More resources are available on the INMI website [Link]
Read the 2018 annual report by Debe Knaack and Robert Koth:
"2018 Annual Report for the Southwest Conference Widening the Welcome Team Ministry " [PDF]
Mental Illness & Families of Faith: How Congregations Can Respond by Susan Gregg-Schroeder [PDF]
A resource/study guide for clergy and communities of faith.
Mental Health Ministries [Link]
A resource site that helps faith communities become caring congregations.
Ten steps for developing a Mental Health Ministry in your congregation [PDF]
Downloadable resource, written by Joanne Kelly and Alan Johnson
Mental Health Network [Link]
The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network works to reduce stigma and promote the inclusion of people with mental illnesses/brain disorders and their families in the life, leadership and work of congregations.
United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries [Link]
This site has news, resources, networking links and more to help congregations explore and become accessible to all. The Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson, a member of Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix and the wider United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries community has contributed several stories on this site.