1. Why the need for another church in DC?Contact | Directions | Frequently Asked Questions | Links
We are excited about God’s future for your life. Should you have questions about the ministry or for pastoral counseling, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to seeing you in worship. There’s room at the table for everyone!
Rev. Kendal Brown, Founder & Pastor
Email: kendalbrown410@aol.com
Tel. 202-652-0755
Rev. Cedric Harmon, Associate Pastor
Email: cedhar66@yahoo.com
From Downtown Washington, DC
(The church is located approx. 20 mins from downtown DC)
Take New York Ave NW/US 50 E (Crossing into Maryland)
Merge onto MD-295 N via the exit on the Left toward Baltimore
Take the MD-193 E exit toward NASA Goddard/Glen Dale
Turn Left onto Greenbelt Rd/MD-193 E
Turn Slight Right onto Good Luck Rd
Amistad St. Paul will be on your Left
From Baltimore, MD
Take 95 South
Merge onto MD-295 S via Exit 52 toward BWI
Take Power Mill Rd exit toward Beltsville
Turn Left onto Powder Mill Rd
Turn Slight Right onto Soil Conservation Rd
Turn Left onto Greenbelt Rd/MD-193 E
Turn Slight Right onto Good Luck Rd
Amistad St. Paul will be on your LEFT
1. Why the need for another church in DC?
Within religious circles there exists great tension over the issue of same-gender-loving (sgl) inclusion. For persons who are sgl, there are too few places that wholly affirm individuals who are Christian, self-affirming, and sgl. It is our calling to provide a corrective and a viable alternative. We desire to be a place of extravagant welcome for all persons — especially persons seeking a community built on honesty, openness, and equity. We believe the call that we have received comes from God and is both specific and radical. We seek to reach persons on the margins of society and make the table of the Lord accessible to all.
2. What is your denominational affiliation?
At present, we are not affiliated with a particular denomination. We will hold affiliation with The Fellowship, a gathering of inclusive ministries under the leadership of Bishop Yvette Flunder. We are also in the early stages of exploring affiliation with the United Church of Christ, a denomination working for unity and justice in both church and society.
3. What is Radical Inclusivity?
Radical inclusivity is the belief that all persons are welcome at the table. Inclusivity challenges major fundamental, deep-seated beliefs, doctrines and theologies at the center of society which characterize people on the edge as enemies of God and routinely mistreats, oppresses and excludes people from the community of faith and its institutions.
4. What will the worship experience look like at City of Refuge Washington, DC?
Our worship style is both celebrative and contemplative — free and open to the Spirit. We will seek to provide a rich blend of a variety of traditions - Pentecostal, Baptist, Apostolic, UCC, Methodist - just to name a few. We seek to provide an experience that values ritual, tradition, and yet one that is open to a God who is still speaking. We will also provide a space for persons to examine the deeper meaning of our traditions and faith expressions. Whether it is through our powerful praise and worship, the performing arts, or through social ministry that is grounded in love, we will seek to be a balanced people who embody the transforming and liberating love of Jesus Christ.
5. How do I become a member?
Membership is open to all. We will begin holding monthly bible studies and interest meetings in the next few months. Please contact us here to receive information regarding time and location.
African-American Affirming Congregations
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies
The Center for Progressive Christianity
City of Refuge UCC San Francisco (The Mother Church)