United Church of Christ

Have you ever wondered what a church founded by abolitionists looks like? Here at the United Church of Christ in Washington D.C., that legacy is woven into the very fabric of the building. The United Church of Christ, established in 1865 by individuals serving in the Lincoln Administration, stands as a testament to their vision of an integrated society. It was one of the first integrated churches in Washington D.C. The land itself holds a layered history. First, the ancestral home of the Piscataway Conoy and Nacotchtank/Anacostan peoples, then a tobacco plantation worked by enslaved laborers. Now, it is a church dedicated to justice and equality. The United Church of Christ’s early years were marked by a defining moment in 1869. A conflict arose over integrated worship, leading to the departure of the first pastor and many members. This crisis, however, solidified the church’s commitment to racial justice and forged a strong bond with Howard University, which played a crucial role in securing the church’s future. The United Church of Christ continued its activism through the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1950s and 60s, it served as a hub for interracial meetings and a staging ground for the 1963 March on Washington. One of its assistant pastors, Bruce Hanson, even took leave to work with Bob Moses during Freedom Summer, registering voters in Mississippi. The United Church of Christ has long been a voice for the marginalized. In 1987, it became an Open and Affirming congregation, fully welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Its commitment to social justice extends to providing sanctuary for immigrants facing deportation. The United Church of Christ partners with organizations like Sanctuary DMV, working to protect vulnerable communities and resist discriminatory policies. Here at the United Church of Christ, the spirit of its abolitionist founders lives on. The church continues to advocate for racial justice, striving to dismantle systemic racism through education, training, and partnerships with local organizations. The journey towards true equality is ongoing. But the United Church of Christ stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of faith and action to create a more just and compassionate world.