Open and Affirming

In 1896, a local Sunday School teacher in Briarcliff Manor, New York, approached local philanthropist Walter Law and stated, “Mr. Law, we need a church!” Law, who owned most of the property connected with Briarcliff Manor, had a deep-rooted commitment to community building. As part of the Nonconformist tradition in England, which later became associated with the Presbyterian and Congregationalist movements, he was naturally drawn to the idea of establishing a place of worship that embodied the Congregational Church’s inclusive spirit.

The new congregation joined the Fellowship of Congregational Churches due to their emphasis on democracy, which accommodated diverse Protestant beliefs and practices. The desire was to have a church that would welcome everyone in the community, a vision Law embraced.

At the fiftieth anniversary in 1946, members represented twenty-three denominations, showcasing continued diversity. Today, the Briarcliff Congregational Church includes members from diverse backgrounds such as Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Roman Catholics, and even Magical Folk.

Congregationalists do not rely on hierarchical direction or strict dogma; each church is independent and seeks guidance from God, with members deciding practices and beliefs. Membership in a Congregational Church does not require conformity to specific tests of faith or beliefs. The church votes on major decisions, including the selection of ministers, reflecting a democratic engagement.

Briarcliff Congregational Church became Open and Affirming in 2012, celebrating our original commitment to diversity and welcoming all people regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, ability, faith background, or economic circumstance.

The church continues to value spiritual freedom and aims to break down barriers for those who have been excluded from or hesitant to join faith communities.

While independent, Congregational Churches have support through checks and balances, historically from the Fellowship of Congregational Churches and currently through the United Church of Christ, whose motto is God is Still Speaking.