First Congregational Church is a progressive faith community with love and justice at the core of our faith. Our mission statement says that we are an “inclusive community… and a force for goodness, justice, equality and peace”. Scripture says that God created all people in his image and Jesus prayed that “all may be one”. As we do Gods work then we must commit ourselves, individually and as a church, to eradicating the sins of racism and take actions to support that effort. First Congregational Church must pursue opportunities to work against racism through education, through being vocal in our opposition and through community action when events require it.

To that end FCC is committed to educating ourselves about the effects of discrimination and racism on all of us and to work with community groups to fight racism in its many forms. Examples of actions may include letters and public statements to promote justice and equality, working within local antiracism groups, providing forums and events to educate ourselves and celebrating of, and with, different cultures and ethnic groups.

This commitment was made April 25, 2021 at the annual meeting of First Congregational Church in Riverside.

Plan to Address Issues of Racism

Our Commitment of Actions and Intentions at First Congregational Church of Riverside, UCC to Address Issues of Racism

Visibility in the community and advocating for social justice is a part of the identity and history of FCC in Riverside. Our congregation hopes to continue to focus on social justice issues, specifically including racism. Our church is committed to the goal to end racist oppression and injustice within our community. We commit to the following actions with the intention of ending racism through broadening the education of our members, expanding the opportunities for our members to advocate for justice, and continuing to celebrate diverse cultures, ethnicities, and traditions.

Within this goal, FCC committees have a variety of areas of focus while our individual church members continue to seek, listen, and learn about ways that we can uplift all who are oppressed by racism. Some FCC members engage in this social justice movement through their involvement in community groups and share their experience with others within the broader congregation. This is helpful for the whole congregation as FCC members continue to learn about various cultures and remain current on community efforts to work on issues of racism locally. Committees can also work together to continue to engage in the following ways:

FCC seeks to Educate our Congregation and the Community:

The FCC Mission Board schedules forums on cultures, and race related issues and advertises related community events, trainings in The Outlook Online, on the FCC website and in our weekly bulletin.

  • Church members share information on local cultural events and educational opportunities for the weekly newsletter, Outlook Online.
  • The Fellowship Committee holds events with ethnic themes and arranges tours of local cultural centers, including events such as multi-ethnic potlucks and festivities.
  • The FCC Music Committee and worship leadership use culturally significant music and host musical events and visitors that share music from diverse cultures.
  • The FCC Marketing Committee engages an intentionally inclusive welcome and outreach to people from all backgrounds and traditions as well as sharing opportunities to become involved in ministries that expand our support for all people.
  • The Christian Education team celebrates diversity with an intentional welcome to all families and opportunities for families to connect and befriend one another.
  • The FCC Diaconate ensures culturally diverse worship experiences, celebrations, and inclusive decorations that honor and welcome all of God’s people.
  • FCC’s leadership and Pastor engage in relationships with other congregations, clergy, and faith groups to expand our awareness of the many expressions of culture and faith in our city.
  • FCC leadership and pastor continue to pursue relationships with city organizations and city leadership with the goal of expanding justice and hope for all people.

Advocacy within the Church and in the Community

The FCC Mission Board leads our congregation in the following ways to increase our awareness and involvement in community groups:

  • Tracks local discrimination and racism related issues in the city.
  • Invites the congregation into ministries that address racism as opportunities for engagement are identified.
  • Participates in local efforts to further positive race relations and race reconciliation.
  • Partners with other churches, ICUC, the Interfaith Council, the national UCC initiatives and local initiatives that seek to end racism and address immigration issues.
  • Continues to learn and seek new ways to bring justice to our community and end racism.

4/28/24