You Are Welcome Here!
We are a progressive, inclusive, and justice-centered congregation that welcomes people without regard to doctrinal beliefs, race, nationality, ability, economic status, age, sexual orientation, gender or gender orientation.
People of diverse backgrounds and religious ideologies find our inclusive, non-judgmental welcome to be a refreshing change. We have found that we learn more when we listen to other interpretations of God, rather than insisting that others adopt our vision.
We are a member congregation of the United Church of Christ, a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church to join faith and action.
Since its inception at midnight, December 31 in 1994, the United Church of Christ has taken seriously the compassionate teachings of Jesus and worked for social, economic and climate justice.
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free”
Luke 4:18 (NIV)
- In 1998 this congregation declared itself Open and Affirming (ONA) of all persons, including our LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers.
- In July 2007, we became the first and only church in Ventura County to become a Sanctuary Congregation in the New Sanctuary Movement. In 2007 a young woman named Liliana and her 2 month old son were publicly welcomed into “sanctuary” as part of the NSM in cooperation with Ventura County CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice). Our Sanctuary work continued for three years from July 2007 to September 2010 when Liliana was granted the first of several deferred action status permits from the United States Government. We are pleased to note, that in 2015 Liliana was granted permanent resident status.
- In 2016 FFLUID (Families and Friends Living United in Diversity) was founded at our church in order to support people who are confronting issues of gender or sexual identity. In particular, we have been pleased to see parents, siblings and peers arrive to have an open dialogue about issues that are often kept “in the closet.”
- In 2017 our church joined the Simi Valley Interfaith Council and continue to be active members and enthusiastic supporters.
UCC Simi Valley is…
A church that respects all religious traditions
A church that embraces the LGBTQIA+ Community
A church that thinks of science as an opportunity to learn more about our universe and our faith
A church that puts an emphasis on living our faith by working for justice.
