Attempting to articulate a Progressive Christian perspective, the following statement was crafted for the initial publicity used to launch North Raleigh United (now Umstead Park UCC) in the spring of 1999. We are elated that several like-minded congregations are now using versions of this statement for their own congregations. It can also be found on the homepage of ProgressiveChurches.org.

If you understand that faith is a matter of mind as well as heart, and that taking the Bible seriously means it cannot always be taken literally...

If you know that God's love embraces all persons equally, no matter their gender, race, or sexual identity...

If, for you, diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity are strengths to be taught…

If you believe that the Christ calls us to be nothing less than global citizens, that the social expression of love is justice, and that spiritual concerns are inseparable from commitment to the natural world...

If you've wished for a more open and embracing community of faith to nurture your spirit and raise your children, and haven't yet found a like minded place of belonging...

then we warmly invite you to help us build the family of Umstead Park UCC.