What We Believe
At IUCC
God is still speaking,
Irvine United Congregational Church is a proudly progressive, intentionally inclusive Christian church where faith is rooted in love, justice, and curiosity. Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, we seek to build and be a community where compassion and courage become the cornerstone of both the way we live together, and the way we reach into the wider world.
At IUCC, we believe that faith has a duty to be thoughtful and genuinely open-hearted. As such, we welcome people of all beliefs and backgrounds to share this spiritual home, where questions are welcomed and learning is lifelong. We affirm that regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ability, or life experience, you belong fully in the life of this community—wherever you are in your life, wherever you are in your faith journey, you are welcome at IUCC.
Grounded in the traditions of our parent denomination, the United Church of Christ, IUCC cares deeply about being socially active and deliberately engaged with the world. In commitment to four major designations of the UCC and its allies in ministry, we hope to outline that our church is a safe space where the curious, hopeful, compassionate, and longing can strive together to embody God’s love in concrete forms, both in our church community and beyond.
Our Beliefs
Our Church
Our Christianity
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Open and Affirming
At IUCC, we proudly live out the United Church of Christ’s Open and Affirming commitment. “Open and Affirming” designates that we have made a public covenant to welcome all people fully and joyfully into every part of our church’s life—from members to leaders to staff—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These are never barriers here at IUCC—we know that the beauty of God’s creation lies in its diversity of authenticity.
Our commitment reflects the wider witness of the United Church of Christ, which has long affirmed that God’s love knows no boundaries. We believe that sexuality and identity are sacred gifts from our Creator, and that loving, responsible relationships are expressions of God’s grace in the world. In a culture where many still assume Christianity rejects LGBTQ+ people, our church is committed to sharing a different message—one rooted in the radical welcome of Jesus.
As an Open and Affirming congregation, we proclaim a simple but powerful truth: God’s love includes you exactly as you know yourself to be. All are welcomed, all are celebrated, and all are invited to grow in faith together, serving the world to be a more compassionate place.
Just Peace
The Just Peace Church vision lies at the heart of the United Church of Christ’s theological identity, and likewise at the heart of IUCC’s. For more than two decades, this powerful movement has inspired congregations to publicly claim their calling as both justice-doing and peace-seeking communities of faith. Rather than choosing between crusade, pacifism, or “just war,” the Just Peace tradition offers a bold alternative—addressing systemic injustice through nonviolence while proclaiming the hope of reconciliation in Jesus. Rooted in covenantal theology and congregational leadership, the message is both simple and transformative: peace is possible.
At IUCC, that commitment comes to life through our long-standing dedication to social justice. Since our founding, we have worked to build a more compassionate and inclusive world—standing with the United Church of Christ in affirming marriage equality for all, opposing California’s California Proposition 8, and actively serving our wider community. That justice and peace might walk hand in hand is not just a hope at IUCC, but a calling. Together, we strive to create a church where justice and peace grow side by side, and where every person is welcomed, respected, and empowered to make a difference.
Global Mission
IUCC understands that faith connects us to the all people and communities across the world. As a Global Mission church, we believe that God’s love crosses every geographic and social barrier—and calls us to stand in solidarity with all of God’s children, especially at the points of deepest need.
Our commitment to Global Mission means actively participating in God’s work beyond our walls. We pray for and support our global partners in ministry, educate our community about international issues, and seek justice for those who the most vulnerable around the world through both local advocacy and mission work of our own. At the same time, we recognize that our missional experience is bi-directional—we in turn receive wisdom, faith, and inspiration from the global church, allowing these universal relationships to deepen and enrich our own spiritual life.
Through generosity, learning, and service, we support the work of global ministries and encourage our members to share the Good News of Jesus around the world in ways that promote compassion, dignity, and justice. From mission work in Guatemala to charity work at home, we are proud to tell the story of God’s transformation of the world—and to live that story together with it.
Creation Justice
We believe that faith and stewardship of the earth go hand in hand, and we proudly affirm a Creation Justice vision of answering God’s call to care for the planet. At IUCC we seek a relationship with the whole of creation that reflects faithful nurturing, caring respect, and mindful attentiveness.
Our GREENFaith Ministry inspires, educates, and mobilizes our congregation to act on climate change and environmental justice. Through worship, educational programs, hands-on activities, and advocacy, we explore how our daily choices and energy use can help heal and restore God’s creation. We integrate creation care into every dimension of church life—from sustainable building practices and water management to eco-friendly events and youth programs, our members are encouraged to take environmental action both at home and in the wider community, reflecting our belief that the flourishing of humanity is inseparable from the flourishing of the earth.
From Earth Day celebrations to advocacy campaigns, youth activities, and ongoing sustainability projects, IUCC is committed to walking in right relationship with our environment. Along the way, we hope you’ll join us.