Founded in 1865 by abolitionists as the first racially integrated church in Washington, we have a long standing commitment to justice. We say that we are an “open and affirming church” (ONA), welcoming everyone. We say that we are a “just peace church,” committed to peace with justice. We say that we are aspiring to be a “multiracial, multicultural church,” celebrating diversity and building bridges to all people. Our involvements in social outreach and service continue to seek new forms in our changing city.

To read a PDF file of the 1965 Centennial History of First Church go to FCC UCC Centennial History.

We are Open and Affirming

In 1973, First Church voted to enter into covenant with, and serve as host church for the Washington Metropolitan Community Church or MCC (a church that ministers predominantly to the GLBT community). That decision cost us some members well before the wider religious community took on this issue. In 1983 we formally became an Open and Affirming (ONA) church in the United Church of Christ. Read our Open and Affirming Statement.

We are a Just Peace Church

In 1985 First Church voted be a Just Peace Church, focusing on the ways justice and peace are related to a range of issues, such as political struggles in Latin America and South Africa, race relations in the U.S., struggles for economic justice, and arms control. Read our Statement on Being a Just Peace Church.

We aspire to be a Multiracial Multicultural Church

In 2003, after a prolonged study, First Church voted to affirm a vision to become a more Multiracial Multicultural Church. Read our Multiracial and Multicultural Vision.