Christian Tradition. What does this mean?
It means that God, Jesus Christ and the Spirit are our foundation. It means we are grounded in the Bible, the sacraments of baptism and communion, and the liturgical church year. It means we sing hymns old and new, accompanied by organ or piano, in an architecturally traditional worship space. It means we are engaged in faith formation throughout our whole lives. It means we honor our Christian heritage without being bound by it.

Progressive Faith. What does this mean?
It means we value a variety of Biblical interpretations and recognize that Biblical texts must be engaged anew by each generation. It means we do not have tests of belief, but rather allow for many theologies. It means we trust that God is still speaking, still transforming, still working through people to create a more just and peaceful world. It means ambiguity and mystery are not our enemies. It means that we put our faith into action – socially, politically, personally, financially, collectively. It means we strive to experience God and live out God’s purposes in our daily lives.

All Are Welcome. What does this mean?
It means we take seriously Jesus’ example of radical inclusion of all people. It means we have an open communion table at which everyone receives the bread and cup, without exception. It means our children and youth are seen, heard and valued in the full life of the church. It means we acknowledge things that may divide us – white privilege and racism, class difference, socio-economic status, physical and mental abilities, gender identity, expression and sexual orientation, political stances – but we strive to overcome those divisions, welcoming all people as created in the image of God and beloved by God.

Vision Statement

Honoring our covenant relationship with God,
   we are committed to grow in our responses to Christ’s call
   that we love God with heart, soul and mind
   and that we love others as God loves us all.

As a joyful community,
   we affirm and nurture the gifts each person brings
   and follow in the way of Jesus
   through ministries of hospitality, compassion, justice and peace.

The purpose of this Safe Church Statement is to clearly state St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for children, youth, and adults in all of the church’s programs and ministries. Doing so is one way for us to embody Jesus’ teaching to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Therefore, St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ declares itself a Safe Church – a faith community where every person is regarded as beloved by God and is free from emotional, spiritual, physical or sexual exploitation, discrimination, harassment and/or abuse.

To that end:

St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ bans verbal, visual or physical conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment;

St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ requires that all staff members, faith formation leaders, and other volunteers who are in regular contact with children and youth submit to a background check;

The Pastor and the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries (DCYFM)of St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ are mandated reporters of neglect or abuse of children or vulnerable adults; please contact them with questions or concerns; Other adults of the congregation may also be mandated reporters as required by Minnesota law;

The Safe Church Statement is distributed to every participant in New Member cohorts and to Confirmation students prior to their joining the church;

St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ teaches youth about consent, boundaries, self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, and justice & inclusivity through church programs such as OWL (Our Whole Lives);

St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ commits to providing continuing education and conversation around these issues, including in response to happenings in the wider culture.

Action will be taken by church leadership on a case-by-case basis to address violations of the ethic of this Safe Church Statement.

Endorsed by the SAPUCC Council on June 16, 2020