“A church without crosses or pews” That’s how many described the Church in Ocean Park when it reopened in 1973. Rev Jim Conn a visionary pastor had a radical idea. He wanted a church open to all faiths. A place focused on social justice and outreach.
The Ocean Park United Methodist Church wasn’t your typical church. It was a haven for young adults and those seeking a different kind of spiritual experience. It was inclusive. People from various religious backgrounds Judaism Hinduism Buddhism and Christianity found a home there. Even Wiccans celebrated solstice rituals on the beach.
This wasn’t just a place of worship. It became a hub for activism. Rev Conn himself served on the City Council. He believed a church should be involved in social justice issues. The Church in Ocean Park became a voice for the marginalized. It championed gay and lesbian rights. It worked for racial justice. It supported the unionization of workers. It even launched community organizations like the Ocean Park Community Organization helping the homeless and the Westside Health Center.
Rev Janet McKeithen the current pastor continued this tradition. She’s known for her activism. She’s even been arrested for civil disobedience. But her congregation applauds her actions. They understand the church’s role in social change. The Church in Ocean Park’s progressive stance mirrors the California-Pacific Annual Conference’s own progressive views on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and immigration reform.
The Church in Ocean Park is more than a building. It’s a community a movement a beacon of hope. It shows that faith can be a powerful force for positive change. It’s a church that truly lives its values. A church that embraces diversity and fights for justice. It is a place of spiritual and social justice a true testament to the power of community and faith. It’s a story worth remembering a story worth sharing.