Inclusiveness Statement

We, the Session of The First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church, affirm with the 195th General Assembly (1983) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) that "we will work to increase the acceptance and participation in the church of all person regardless of racial-ethnic origins, sex, class, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation."

We affirm, with the Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA), that "the congregation shall welcome all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of his Church. No persons shall be denied membership because of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, or any other reason not related to profession of faith. Each member must seek the grace of openness in extending the fellowship of Christ to all persons (G-9.09104). Failure to do so constitutes a rejection of Christ himself and causes a scandal to the gospel." We affirm, with the Book of Order, that "an active member is entitled to all rights and privileges of the church, including the right to participate in the Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper, to present children for baptism, to take part in meetings of the congregation, and to vote and hold office."

Therefore, we the Session of The First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church re-pledge ourselves to work toward a truly inclusive congregation with a truly inclusive ministry and outreach, including all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or affectional relationship. We pledge not to select any element not related to profession of faith as a basis for denying full participation and service in the body of Christ, and call on all persons who unite with The First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church to accept the full privileges and responsibilities of membership, including service as ordained deacon or elder when elected by the congregation.

Believing that "God alone is Lord of the conscience and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are in anything contrary to his Word or beside it in matters of faith or worship. ...We consider the rights of private judgment in all matters that respect religion as universal and inalienable…"