The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a Christian denomination that is known for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. One of the key ways that the UCC expresses this commitment is through its concept of “extravagant welcome.” This phrase is used to describe the UCC’s belief that every person is a beloved child of God, and that everyone is welcome to participate fully in the life and ministry of the church, regardless of their background or identity.

The term “extravagant welcome” implies a radical hospitality that goes beyond what is expected or customary. It means welcoming people not just as guests, but as full and valued members of the community. This includes people who may have been marginalized or excluded in other settings, such as people who are LGBTQ+, people of different racial or ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of different economic or social status.

For the UCC, extravagant welcome is not just a slogan, but a lived reality. It means creating spaces where everyone can feel safe and valued, and where everyone can participate fully in the life and ministry of the church. This may involve changing traditional practices or structures that have been exclusive or alienating in the past, and actively seeking out ways to make the church more inclusive and accessible to all.

Ultimately, the concept of extravagant welcome reflects the UCC’s understanding of the nature of God and the calling of the church. As the UCC website puts it, “We believe in a God that loves all people, without exception. We believe in a Jesus that modeled a radical, inclusive love. And we believe in a church that is called to be a reflection of that love, a beacon of hope and healing in a world that too often divides and excludes.” By practicing extravagant welcome, the UCC seeks to embody this vision of a loving, inclusive, and just community of faith.