Progressive Christianity

Kirkland Congregational Church is now an affiliate of The Center for Progressive Christianity. People searching the internet for an inclusive and welcoming church in the Kirkland area will be able to find us. We join a growing number of congregations that are offering an alternative view of the Christian faith.

Over the past 16 months, we’ve had an extensive congregational conversation about theology. Opening the Boxes was the theme of our worship series in the fall of 2006. Each week three to five speakers shared their affirmations and their questions about the theological topic of the day—God, Jesus, Sin, Salvation... More than 50 people were part of the adult DVD studies Living the Questions and Saving Jesus. In these media pieces, well-known scholars raised concerns about the way traditional Christian language has distorted the inclusive message of Jesus. During the summer worship of 2007, 11 speakers shared their reflections on the 12 points of The Phoenix Affirmations. Classes in the fall of 2007 included The Eight Points of Progressive Christianity, and Marcus Borg’s book, The Heart of Christianity.

In late September, we gathered for brunch/worship and conversation. Members strongly affirmed that we are a progressive Christian congregation—striving to faithfully extend the extravagant welcome of Jesus to all people.

There are many ways to define "Progressive Christianity," Fred Plumer, a UCC minister and president of The Center for Progressive Christianity offers this short list of components:

  1. To see oneself as a "follower of Jesus" or Jesus’ teachings rather than a believer in a creed;
  2. To recognize that Christianity is not the only way;
  3. To search the great mysteries of life with an open theology and an intellectual integrity;
  4. To recognize that ecology and social justice are interlinked and part of your faith;
  5. To understand that gays, lesbians, transgenders and bi-sexuals are full participants in our world as a natural part of God’s creation.
Let the theological discussions continue!

Yours in Christ,
Walter John

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