In the Image of God:
A Congregational Covenant on Justice

First Congregational United Church of Christ
Boise, Idaho

Preamble

We, the members of First Congregational United Church of Christ enter into this covenant on February 21, 1999 recognizing that it is a living document, representing an ongoing process of Christian discernment, rather than a final or complete statement. In that spirit, we affirm the following:

We humbly and gratefully proclaim that we are created in the image of God. We believe, in accordance with the Bible and our own consciences, that the image of God incorporates each of us and therefore, all people of all kinds and conditions.

Article One: Economic Justice

We believe the image of God incorporates people of all economic conditions. We see people around us without enough food, warm clothes, adequate medical care, or the comfort of a home. Even within our congregation there are many who struggle to get by, let alone get ahead, and who live within two or three paychecks of hopelessness and homelessness. We confess that too many of us are victims of materialism and are affected by society's staggering economic pressures. The grace of God, the example of Jesus, and our love for one another require of us that we become more conscious of the economic inequities of this world and of our own materialism. To this end, we challenge ourselves to ongoing education on economic justice issues and on the impact of materialism on our spiritual well-being.

Our faith calls us to action. As disciples, we covenant to stand in solidarity with the poor, the vulnerable, and the powerless who have virtually no means of speaking up for themselves and to serve as amplifiers, helping their voices to be heard. We pledge to speak out and act politically on issues which acutely impact the poor, elders, children, families, and the disenfranchised. We believe that God is at work among us, and it is our responsibility as Jesus' disciples to join our forces and offer our hearts, our bodies, and our resources to those in need in our community and to welcome them into our church.. To this, we covenant.

Article Two: Social Justice

We believe the image of God incorporates people of all social conditions: young and old, single and married, heterosexual and homosexual, the able-bodied and those with disabilities, the sound of mind and those with mental disabilities and illnesses. We acknowledge that there are many social justice issues which need to be addressed, but among them is an issue of immediate concern to this community of faith in this time and place: our acceptance of persons of differing sexual orientations.

We hear the voices of faithful members of our congregation, of gays and lesbians and their families and friends, expressing pain, fear, and need: the pain of rejection; the fear of discrimination and violence; and the need for love and support. The grace of God, the example of Jesus and our love for one another inspire us to speak and act bravely. We declare that people of all sexual orientations * are welcome in this church - as are those with disabilities, the poor, the outcast, and those who feel alienated - and are valued as full participants in the life and ministry of this church family. To this, we covenant.

Article Three: Racial Justice

We believe the image of God incorporates people of all cultures and races. With respect to cultural and racial issues, we proclaim and confess the need for ongoing discussion, education and identification of the role of our church in expressing God's love by consciously and conscientiously breaking down the racial and cultural walls which divide us. We understand the danger and sinfulness of being silent, and the importance of speaking and acting on these justice issues.

As disciples, we commit ourselves to taking deliberate steps to establish affirming relationships with people of differing races and cultures. The grace of God, the example of Jesus, and our love for one another inspire us to break through the shyness and discomfort created by geographies and generations of separation and discrimination. We declare that people of all racial and cultural backgrounds are welcome in this church and are valued as full participants in the life and ministry of this church family. To this, we covenant.

We pray that the God of Jesus who has called us together, will help us to faithfully discern and live out the implications of this covenant in the days to come. May God grant us courage for the costs and joys of our Christian discipleship and may God bless us with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Amen

*We understand sexual orientation to mean: heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual