Finding a progressive and liberal church (Columbia, Lexington: fit in, houses, living in)

[BoundtoRetire]

It will be a while before we move, but I was wondering if there are any larger progressive and liberal churches in the greater Columbia area? At the moment we are leaning towards living in the vicinity of Lake Murray, but haven't narrowed down the town as yet.

By liberal, I mean liberal theology and socially liberal. The type of church I am looking for is pro-women pastors, ecumenical, and culturally and age diverse.

Most often, the following Protestant churches fit in this category, but perhaps that won't be the case around Columbia: Presbyterian, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Quaker, Episcopal, liberal Methodists.

Thanks in advance for your kind suggestions.

[waccamatt]

There is a UCC on Atlas Road and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Shandon. I know there is a Quaker Meeting House, also, but I'm not sure where it is located. There are a number of other liberal churches, as well.

[scnative274]

Trinity Episcopal is sort of progressive. It is downtown though. Most Presbyterian churches around here are conservative because they are usually ARP or PCA, but if you find a USA version, you might be okay. The United Methodist churches are pretty liberal depending on the minister. The UUC in Shandon is very progressive and liberal. And there is one that meets in the Vista but I can't remember the name of it.

[BoundtoRetire]

Thanks Waccamatt and scnative274, I appreciate your suggestions. It will be several months before we actually move, but I wanted to start getting an initial feel for how my church search might go. I suspect I'll end up at a PCUSA church, but have been a member in the United Church of Christ in the past and would certainly consider it again.

Although I mentioned "larger" in my description, size really doesn't matter. I'd rather find a church that is welcoming to all.

[Jordo06]

I think the best Liberal Church in town is Reformation Lutheran on River Drive. It has great tradition and is very liberal. The great thing about it is that there are families, young people, gay people, straight people, old people and people of different races. You should check it out. It is about 5 blocks off main street on River drive. They have services at 9:00 and 11:15 every Sunday. I go to both... the early one is contemporary like suburban catholic or UCC. The 11:15 is traditional... similar to Catholic or Anglican Liturgy. Its also the only Lutheran Church in South Carolina that affirms and welcomes anyone.

[LexingtonDad]

Its also the only Lutheran Church in South Carolina that affirms and welcomes anyone.

That is possibly the dumbest thing I have read this year. You must be very young or very dumb. Or both.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by LexingtonDad

That is possibly the dumbest thing I have read this year. You must be very young or very dumb. Or both.

It is the only Lutheran Church in South Carolina that has affirmed that they do not discriminate against gay and lesbian members whereas many houses of worship do not make that same affirmation and often work against the gay and lesbian community. There is an organization within the Lutheran Church that individual churches strive to be a part of and Reformation Lutheran in Columbia appears to be the only one in South Carolina that has that designation. The earlier poster was correct - he is neither very young or very dumb.

[LexingtonDad]

You are wrong Matt. Many of the Lutheran churches have said they will not ordain gay pastors that are not celibate but I have never seen one that has condemned gays in the congregation.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by LexingtonDad

You are wrong Matt. Many of the Lutheran churches have said they will not ordain gay pastors that are not celibate but I have never seen one that has condemned gays in the congregation.

This is the only congregation in the state that performs same-sex commitment ceremonies and has openly acknowledged that they welcome gay and lesbian members. I believe you are wrong, Lex.

[LexingtonDad]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

This is the only congregation in the state that performs same-sex commitment ceremonies and has openly acknowledged that they welcome gay and lesbian members.

If performing ceremonies between same sex couples is your only qualifier then I guess I was wrong. But to say no other church in the Midlands welcomes gay members is painting with too broad of a brush. I am familiar with several Lutheran and Methodist churches that welcome openly gay members and also employ (on a non ordained basis) practicing gays in staff positions.