Our Congregational Stances
Over the years, the national United Church of Christ has issued a variety of social justice stances and invited local churches commit to them. Wash Park UCC has responded, and formally made a commitment to a many of these stances. With study, reflection, discussion and finally a majority vote of the congregation, we have put our faith in action.
A Just Peace Church
In 1990, the WPUCC Confirmation class brought a resolution to the congregation to vote to become a Just Peace church.
This position focuses attention on alleviating systemic injustice of all types using non-violence and calls us to offer the message that “Peace is possible.”
Open and Affirming
Recognizing that historically, institutionalized religion has oppressed and persecuted LGBTQ persons, the United Church of Christ has called on congregations to be Open and Affirming of LGBTQ persons, affirming their civil rights, their leadership in the church, and pledging to work for justice for all people.
One of the first congregations in metro-Denver to declare itself Open and Affirming, WashPark spent a year working through the personal, biblical and social issues associated with this stance. In 1992 the congregation voted to take this then courageous step.
A Whole Earth congregation
More than changing light bulbs or recycling, Wash Park UCC strives to transform itself, its members and friends, and those we touch. Concern for all of Creation led Wash Park to formally declare itself a Whole Earth community in 1994.
For the past 20 years Wash Park has hosted and supported Eco-Justice Ministries, an independent, ecumenical agency that helps churches answer the call to care for all of God’s creation, and develop ministries that are faithful, relevant and effective in working toward social justice and environmental sustainability.20
Restorative Justice
A beloved member of Wash Park brought her passion to Wash Park, and was a national voice for the use of Restorative Justice techniques to bring victim, offender and community together to attempt reconciliation. The WashPark community voted for a Restorative Justice stance in 1998.
Members have participated in restorative justice circles with the Denver Police Department.
