Progressive/Liberal churches in NE Philly (Reading, Oxford: high school, racism, teaching)

[Rockymaru]

Hey, all. Born and raised in NE Philly and recently moved back to the area after over a year away (where I was baptized directly before coming back home). As a new Christian, what are some good churches with progressive views in the area? I've been to more than a few churches so far (some with extreme, if not outright hostile conservative views) and haven't found "the one." Yet. So, I'd like to know: do progressive churches exist here in the NE? Or, at the LEAST, is there a church that doesn't judge, or shame anyone, based on who they are?

One of the most important criteria is that members be under 80 years old! (half joking)

[Redddog]

Christ Church in Old City is super cool. Episcopal, I believe. I've heard that it's one of the oldest churches in the country.

[jazzy jeff]

Bethel Church at Phila Mills Mall. I know several people of the progressive type that go there and speak highly of it.

[Rockymaru]

@jazzy jeff: been there. It would be OK, great even, if it weren't for the concert-like "worship." Actually, worship is my least fave part. I prefer a church where the sermon is the focus.

@redddog: thanks. But that's Old City. I'm looking for places in Northeast Philly..

[Redddog]

Originally Posted by Rockymaru

@jazzy jeff: been there. It would be OK, great even, if it weren't for the concert-like "worship." Actually, worship is my least fave part. I prefer a church where the sermon is the focus.

@redddog: thanks. But that's Old City. I'm looking for places in Northeast Philly..

my bad...

[gg]

Originally Posted by Rockymaru

Hey, all. Born and raised in NE Philly and recently moved back to the area after over a year away (where I was baptized directly before coming back home). As a new Christian, what are some good churches with progressive views in the area? I've been to more than a few churches so far (some with extreme, if not outright hostile conservative views) and haven't found "the one." Yet. So, I'd like to know: do progressive churches exist here in the NE? Or, at the LEAST, is there a church that doesn't judge, or shame anyone, based on who they are?

One of the most important criteria is that members be under 80 years old! (half joking)

Any Presbyterian Church USA would be as liberal as they get if there is one near you. Make sure it is a Presbyterian USA one though. There are two Presbyterian Church's now.

[Jeanie Beanie]

Try United Church of Christ. I'm sipping out of my church mug now and it has tenets printed on it, i.e. "Be the Church" "Protect the environment" "Reject Racism" "Forgive often" "Care for the Poor" "Fight for the powerless" "Embrace Diversity" "Love God" "Enjoy this life"

The UCC is great! Love it. Find a UCC church near you.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by Jeanie Beanie

Try United Church of Christ. I'm sipping out of my church mug now and it has tenets printed on it, i.e. "Be the Church" "Protect the environment" "Reject Racism" "Forgive often" "Care for the Poor" "Fight for the powerless" "Embrace Diversity" "Love God" "Enjoy this life"

The UCC is great! Love it. Find a UCC church near you.

There's a UCC congregation on Oxford Avenue between Frankford High School and Oxford Circle:

Grace-Trinity United Church of Christ (5200 Oxford Avenue)

Reading the sections about the church's foci and its statement of beliefs, I'd say it hews closer to mainstream evangelical Protestantism than to what I thought were the worship and teaching styles of many UCC congregations, but nothing in its statement of beliefs contradicts the UCC's Statement of Faith.

The church probably has many younger members, since one of its foci states that it's family-oriented. Anyway, probably worth a visit to see if it fits you.