Plymouth Church shares with other United Church of Christ congregations an "extravagantly" inclusive faith perspective where all are welcomed as beloved people of God.  Our open communion table, where all are welcome, is a demonstration of what we believe.  Other themes include: 

In the essentials we seek unity, in nonessentials diversity, in all things charity.  The unity that we seek is neither an uncritical acceptance of a point of view, nor a rigid formulation of doctrine.  It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of Christian faith and life are essential.

The unity of the church is not of its own making.  It is a gift from God.  But expressions of that unity are as diverse as there are individuals.  The common thread that runs through everything is love as testified to by Jesus Christ.

Testimonies of faith rather than TESTS of faith.  Because faith can be expressed in many different ways, the United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of one’s faith.  However, down through the centuries, Christians have shared their faith through creeds, confessions, catechisms, and other statements of faith.  The Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Cambridge Platform are all honored as authentic testimonies of faith.

In 1959, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ adopted a Statement of Faith prepared especially for the United Church.  We use this statement as a common affirmation in our worship life and as a basis for study and reflection.

There is yet more light and truth to break forth from sacred texts.  This classic statement underscores the primacy of the Bible as the source for understanding the good news and as the foundation for all statements of faith.  It recognizes that the Bible, though written in specific historical times and places, still speaks to us in our present condition. It declares that the study of the scriptures is not limited by past interpretations, but it is be pursued with expectancy for new insights and help in living today.

The Priesthood of all believers.  All members of the United Church of Christ are called to minister to others and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.  We are called  to participate as equals in the common worship of God. 

Recognition is given to those among us who have received special training in pastoral, priestly, educational, and administrative functions.  Ordained ministers are regarded as Christ’s servants.  Their task is to discern and encourage each person’s gifts in support of the local and wider mission and ministry of the church.

Responsible freedom.  Each local church is free to act in accordance with the collective decision of its members, guided by the working of the Holy Spirit in light of the scriptures.  But it is also called to live in covenantal relationship with other congregations for the sharing of insights and for the cooperative action under the authority of Christ.

Our congregational life together supports each person’s individual faith journey. As a result we share sometimes conflicting views and challenge each other, while still looking to an ethic of love to unify us across differences.