Welcome

In the name of Jesus Christ, and through his spirit, we bid you welcome to Old South Church in Boston, an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ.

You are welcome here if you are married, or if you are single,
for we will partner with you.

You are welcome here if you are a parent, or the child of one,
for we will be a family to you.

You are welcome here if you know what you believe,
and you are welcome if you have no idea what to believe,
for we will share our faith.

You are welcome here if you love people whose bodies look like yours,
or if you love people whose bodies are different,
for here, we are all the body of Christ.

You are welcome here if your people are from this place, or from far away, 
for our God is both here and everywhere.

You are welcome here if you are a saint, or a sinner,
for God knows we are all of us both.

No matter who you are,
no matter where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here.

–Rev. Quinn G. Caldwell, Associate Minister (2005 - 2012)

A Note on the Inclusive Dimensions of God's Grace

Old South Church in Boston, in the name of its host, Jesus Christ, and in the spirit of Christ’s invitation carved into the stone of this church’s portico, “Behold I Have Set Before Thee an Open Door,” welcomes all who seek to know God.

Following the One who we believe is Sovereign and Savior, we affirm that each individual is a child of God, and recognize that we are called to be like one body with many members, seeking with others of every race, ethnicity, creed, class, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to journey together toward the promised realm of God.

We invite everyone to join in the common life and mission of our reconciling community through participation and leadership in this congregation, and by fully sharing in the worship, rites and sacraments of this church.

As we all move forward with the work of this church, we commit ourselves to making justice and inclusivity a reality in this congregation and in the world. On the threshold of Christ’s open door, we rely upon the healing, unconditional nature of God’s love and grace to be our help and guide.