Inspired by the bold and boundless hospitality of Jesus, we are "open to all," which means we welcome and accept all people into the life of the church without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, economic status, physical or mental capacity or religious belief. We believe that God's call, gifts and blessings are given to all people, and we embrace the Spirit of God that continues to cross boundaries in order to unite the world. Embracing the Free Pulpit is one way we continually open ourselves to new light. In the words of our first senior minister Dr. George Heaton, "A free pulpit is the very essence of religious and political democracy. A free pulpit means encouragement to break new trails in thought and action; a free pulpit is a great bulwark against tyranny."