Mission Statement &
LGBTQ+ Open and Affirming Statement

Mission Statement
As a compassionate and diverse church with Jesus as our guide,
we deepen our faith, share God’s hope, and put Love in Action
for our community and the earth.

Open and Affirming Statement (LGBTQ+, etc al) 
As members of the Congregational Church in Cumberland, a United Church of Christ, we believe that while we are many, we are one body in Christ. We are called to love one another, to do justice, to bring release to the oppressed, and to walk humbly with our God.

We affirm that each of us, as a person loved by God, has a right and responsibility to support each other’s faith journey as we live, learn, grow and change.

Recognizing insensitivities and prejudices that segments of our society experience, we want it known that we extend welcome to individuals of every race, gender, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, national, and religious background.

We are inclusive in our invitation to participate in the ministry of this community of faith, including membership, leadership, and employment. All are invited to participate in the full life of the church, including but not limited to: the sacraments of baptism and communion, rites of confirmation, and ceremonies of marriage or covenant.

As an Open and Affirming church, we join our sisters and brothers in this community, this nation, and this world who are committed to the struggle for justice and inclusiveness, with the example of Jesus’ love as our guide.

Adopted April 1, 2001