We seek a faith with a passion for justice in society. We want our children, youth and adults to experience compassion and the opportunity to work on behalf of others. As we engage in the wider community, we seek to make the world a better, more just place for everyone.
Open and Affirming. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons are welcomed at Pilgrim. In 2001, the congregation declared itself to be an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. Pilgrim was one of the founders of Duluth’s ecumenical effort Opening Our Doors. Our sanctuary is available to gay and lesbian couples who want to celebrate life-long commitments. For many year PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) met in our building.
Just Peace. In 1988, the congregation affirmed Pilgrim as a Just Peace Church “to make a difference in a world in which conflict and injustice abound.”
Socially responsible investment of church monies. In 2002, after a year of study, the congregation instructed the Trustees to develop a socially responsible investment policy that reflects the values of the congregation.
The Pilgrim Fund. Since 1994, the Pilgrim Fund has granted over $400,000 to support social justice projects in Duluth and Superior. Learn more about the Pilgim Fund
Community Projects. Pilgrims are actively involved in volunteering for community projects, such as Alicia’s Place, a renovation project in downtown Duluth to create housing for chronically homeless women and their children; Kids Kloset; the Gabriel Project; and Meals on Wheels. Each month, a team of Pilgrims volunteer at the Damiano Soup Kitchen.
Chiapas, Mexico. Since 2005, Pilgrim delegations have traveled to San Cristobal in Chiapas, Mexico. We seek to relate to several non-government organizations there and are learning about human rights, women’s empowerment, theological reflection and community organization from the perspective of the developing world. We relate to other United Church of Christ congregations with interest in Chiapas through the Midwest Maya Partnership network.
Fair Trade Coffee is served at church-sponsored events.