The Southwest Conference comprises all UCC churches in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso County, TX. We are an Open and Affirming Conference, proud of our Progressive view of the Gospel and the way we live that out every day. Our office staff raises the bar of excellence and provide outstanding support to the churches of this Conference. The Conference and over half of our churches have approved an "Open and Affirming" covenant welcoming all people, without regard to sexual orientation, into the life and ministry of the congregation. Although each congregation is autonomous, we are all connected by covenant and are welcoming to all. http://www.uccswc.org/
Our Mission Statement:
Extravagantly welcoming and affirming followers of Christ called to embody God’s unconditional justice and love. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Our local congregations offer a friendly welcome to visitors and newcomers. Many of our church buildings offer beautiful settings for weddings and a caring ministry to young couples. Babies are baptized as infants (we're happy to baptize young people and adults who affirm their faith and who have not previously been baptized). Children are warmly included in the life of our churches, many of which offer a children's story time during worship as well as educational programs for all ages. Children and Youth Programs:
The Southwest Conference has an active summer camping program for children and youth, as well as annual retreats for junior high and senior high. There is also an annual "Thanksgiving Alive!" service project held in different cities every year, where 150 youth from around the conference will gather to do such helping ministries as repairing low income houses, cleaning or painting a shelter for abused families, and sort food in a food bank. Conference and Church Leadership
We welcome the leadership of both men and women - we've been ordaining women to be pastors since 1853, the first US denomination to do so. The United Church of Christ has voted at its national meeting, the General Synod, to try to become a more truly multi-cultural and multi-racial church. Open and Affirming
The United Church of Christ welcomes all people without regard to racial or ethnic background or sexual orientation. Being in the Southwest, many of our congregations have a large number of active, interesting retired persons as well as singles and families.
