Being 'Progressive' but Questioning the Term

Santa Rosa -- March 30, 2006

Christ Church UM of Santa Rosa feels that it lives the eight points of what it means to be a progressive Christian -- as outlined by The Center for Progressive Christianity (www.tcpc.org). But lately some at the church are questioning whether using the term is a good thing.

Progressive Christians, according to some of the points, find an approach to God through Jesus, but recognize the faithfulness of other people who have found other ways to God. They invite all people into community "without insisting that they become like us." They find more grace in the search for understanding, they say, than in dogma. They regard the surest signs of genuine faith to include a nurturing behavior towards other people, and justice-seeking on their behalf. Finally, progressive Christians realize that being followers of Jesus is costly.

The points are embraced by the members of Christ UM, says the Rev. Gayle Pickrell, "so it's surprising to me that we're having trouble with the label." Some in her church see the term "progressive" as connoting radical politics. Others see labels of any kind as too narrowing. Heard are frequent variations on this comment: "Why can't we just be a congregation that invites all without labels?" But, still a sizable part of the membership contends that Christ UM should be "open" and "claim" the progressive label proudly.

For a while, Rev. Pickrell says she will "go slow" in calling Christ UM a progressive Chrisitan community -- "even though we are."

One of the church's vivid acts to "recognize the faithfulness of other people who have found other ways to God" has been, since 1975, sharing of its owned space with Shomrei Torah, a Reformed Jewish congregation. Shomrei Torah is having what will likely be its last Passover meal in the shared space on April 13 -- Maundy Thursday for Christ UM. Christ members will vacate the space for their comrades. They will have "Breaking Bread" suppers in private homes.

Shomrei Torah is moving on to a facility they are building. When it is ready, probably not until 2007, their people will worship with Christ UM on a Sunday morning and Christ members will ritually accompany them to their new sanctuary.