First Baptist Church 

The First Baptist Church of Burlington, Vermont was founded in 1834 and continues serving God today.  We are part of the denomination American Baptist Churches, U.S.A. Part of the tradition of ABCUSA is the “autonomy of the local church,” which means that congregations are individually able to make decisions and statements such as this one. As American Baptists we are committed to common principles of religious freedom, human rights for all people and soul freedom (individual believers answerable directly to God alone), among other principles.

 

We, therefore, state that this congregation promises to welcome all persons, regardless of color, national origin, life experiences, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, socio-economic status, ability or disability. We seek to model the love for all God’s children which was lived out and taught by Jesus Christ, and to provide a spirit of welcome, acceptance, inclusion and mutual respect, where all may worship, serve, learn, explore faith, and enjoy fellowship in a supportive atmosphere. We commit to practices and policies which assure that these aspirations continue to be lived out in our congregation. We seek to serve the communities within our walls and outside our doors, in an inclusive manner, in humility and with ongoing self-reflection and prayer, in order to keep our promise.