JUSTICE & RECONCILIATION

AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Our Open & Affirming Statement:

We proclaim that we are an open and affirming congregation and we covenant with our community to provide a loving welcome for all God’s children into the full life and leadership of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Bloomington, Illinois.

We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, family configuration, political affiliation, economic circumstance, or theological perspective.

Please click this link for Disciples LGBTQ Alliance resources.

OPEN AND AFFIRMING

At First Christian Church, we proudly embrace the values of being Open & Affirming. We believe that every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or background, is a beloved child of God deserving of love, respect, and full acceptance. Our inclusive community welcomes and celebrates diversity, recognizing the unique gifts and experiences each individual brings. We strive to create a safe and nurturing space where all are free to be their authentic selves, and where love knows no bounds. With open hearts and open minds, we stand as an affirming beacon, seeking to build a more inclusive world, both within our congregation and beyond.

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Part of the fragmentation of our world today has to do with systems and ways of “being” that do not promote and ensure justice for everyone. First Christian Church is committed to the work of making a way for everyone to be fully who God created them to be, bringing about wholeness in a fragmented world. We partner with a number of groups and organizations on this important ministry. If you would like to get involved, contact the church office.

PRO-RECONCILIATION

With the recent turmoil in our nation around racism and social justice, we have turned our focus to these issues. One of the 4 priorities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been and continues to be “Becoming a Pro-reconciling/Anti-Racist Church”. You can find more about the church’s ministry here, including suggestions for reading, news, and information about how to support the work this ministry does:  Reconciliation Ministry

We continue to meet to talk about ways our church can be engaged in reconciliation in our own community. We’d like to offer the following suggestions, linked below. You can use these in your own personal reflections, for small group discussions, or to take action and get involved in the community.

Not in Our Town (NIOT) is a grassroots community organization that is working to build an inclusive, safe community. NIOT tends to issues of racism, discrimination toward members of the LGBTQ community, bullying in schools, and other ways human beings are excluded or oppressed. Click here for more information.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) supports many organizations and ministries that are working on issues of justice. Click here for more information.

READY TO JOIN?

WE WELCOME YOU!

First Christian Church welcomes all with open arms as we are a safe space for anyone looking to grow in their faith and journey with Christ.

JOIN US