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St. Peter’s UCC Announces Official Open and Affirming Status
St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 8013 Laramie Ave., Skokie 847.673.8166 ... office@stpeteruccskokie.org ... www.stpeteruccsokie.org
Skokie, IL – St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Skokie announces its status as an officially recognized “Open and Affirming” congregation, proclaiming that all people are to be treated, loved, and welcomed equally, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, color, race, economic status, or physical/mental ability. St. Peter’s United Church of Christ is believed to be the first church in Skokie to make this commitment.
On Sunday, June 24, 2018, St. Peter’s UCC voted as a congregation to adopt the following Open and Affirming Covenant:
“We the parishioners of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Skokie, make before God and ourselves, a promise to live our daily lives with love, honor and respect, believing that since we’re all made in God’s image, all people are created equal. And thus, all people are to be treated, loved, and welcomed equally, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, color, race, economic status, or physical/mental ability. We therefore welcome all people to share our Church for the purposes of worship, marriage, baptism, funeral and fellowship, with full participation in the life and ministries of the Church, asking that those who come have no intent to do harm and welcome others to our church as well. People shall be embraced with love and the knowledge that we are all one in the eyes of God.”
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On Friday, June 29th, the certification application was submitted to the United Church of Christ main office in Cleveland, Ohio. On Monday, July 2nd, St. Peter’s received notification from the UCC that the application had been accepted and approved.
“We have always been welcoming,” says Jennifer Schneider, congregational president. “It was important for us to declare that publicly to our community. We held bible studies and ‘conversational coffee hours’ to engage the whole congregation in this process. The vote was an affirmation of who we are as children of God. We want to extend the message that no one needs to be afraid of judgment or exclusion from our church because of who they are, or who they love.”
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“This is a pledge to be a safe place for all people,” states Marcia Hilliard, member of St. Peter’s and part of the O&A Committee tasked with bringing this certification about. “As we often say, ‘No matter where you are and no matter where you have been on life’s journey, you are welcome here.’ We affirm the faith, baptism, and spiritual gifts of all Christians regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. When we say all are welcome, all really does mean ALL.”
About St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Skokie
Saint Peter’s was established on May 5, 1867, as St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church by German immigrant farmers. It was the first church organized in what was then called Niles Center. In 1957, St. Peter’s adopted the new, progressive denomination of United Church of Christ. Our church is more than 150 years old … our thinking is not. We worship in grace and beauty, fellowship in love and friendship, and serve the Lord with humility and passion. Located at the corner of Oakton and Laramie, across the street from the Village Hall and the Library, we are the heart of our neighborhood, and plan to be here for (at least) another 150 years.
St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 8013 Laramie Ave., Skokie, IL 60077
CONTACT: 847.673.8166, office@stpeteruccskokie.org
MORE INFO: www.stpeteruccskokie.org or https://www.facebook.com/stpeteruccskokie/
