As children of God and disciples of Jesus Christ at First Congregational Church in Melrose, United Church of Christ, we are called to love one another unconditionally as we are loved by God.

In celebration of the inclusive love and extravagant welcome of Jesus Christ, we welcome and affirm the essential humanity of people of every race, ethnicity and age; gender identity and sexual orientation; marital and family circumstance; mental, emotional and physical capability; socio-economic status, and religious tradition.  All are invited to participate fully in every aspect of our church’s life and ministry, including worship, sacraments, rites, membership, leadership and employment.

Our faith calls us to speak out in the face of prejudice and exclusion and to express our faith in word and deed for justice and acceptance for all people.  We declare ourselves to be an open and affirming congregation and commit ourselves to working toward a greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s gifts and the diversity of God’s creation among us.