Everyone’s go to recommendation when looking for a progressive church community is to check out the Episcopalians. I love that their reputation is one of inclusiveness and progressive doctrine but they aren’t the right fit for everyone. As a black person, being in community with people who look like me is important, and the Episcopal churches in my city aren’t reflective of that. I also quite frankly don’t enjoy high church. I grew up in Baptist, Pentecostal, and non-denom traditions and while I don’t agree with their conservative beliefs, the way we did church always moved me, I felt God there! The UCC I was recommended is pretty progressive, but in every sermon I’ve streamed, the pastor mentions her wealth or her kids expensive school in a way I find icky. I also feel like her sermons lean more therapy session or life coaching session than bible teaching which is what I prefer.

I know everyone struggles with finding a church, but I’m hoping in the next few years some better options for what I’m searching for show up!