The Root Church
We are a trauma-informed, LGBTQAI+ open and affirming, Black centered church rooted in anti-oppressive faith formation and Liberation / Womanist Theology, but open to all people and spiritualities that work toward the liberation of the marginalized. More about liberation theology- https://monicaacoleman.com/what-is-liberation-theology/
Follow our sister org on IG @therootcrew to get a since of our vibe and don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions via email at therootchurchnc@gmail.com.
Help Us Grow!
We will keep hosting sacred moments and other spiritual and social programs as we raise enough money and resources to cover the expenses! All donations are tax deductible.
Non-Monetary Support
& Feedback Form
Church is like a good pot luck… everyone brings something to the table so that everyone can eat! There are so many ways to give that don’t involve money, and we welcome them all!
Our Soil
Forming
As a newly appointed congregation of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, we are considered a congregation “in formation.” We take this quite literally. For the next few years, we are giving ourselves space and grace to
- form organically
- learn who we are as a community
- build organic connections and relationships in community
- experience and experiment with diverse ways of gathering and “doing church”
- unlearn normative/ oppressive practices and ways of thinking that no longer serve us and create new practices that do… together
Liberative/ Anti-Oppressive
We believe we should care about the oppressed because God does. God loves everyone but God’s Spirit dwells closest to those who are oppressed. And in solidarity, so should we. Poverty and oppression are human made and so humans need to fix it.
“It’s impossible to speak of the God of Israelite history, the God revealed in Jesus Christ, without recognizing that God is of and for those who are oppressed. Any message that is not related to the liberation of the poor in a society is not Christ's message. Any theology that is indifferent to the theme of liberation is not Christian theology.” J. Cone
Trauma-Informed
We recognize the impact of trauma, in all its forms but especially religious trauma, on the health and wellness of our congregation and work intentionally to do no harm, create and protect safety, build real trust, prioritize choice, agency and mutual collaboration while working to empower one another and educate ourselves.
Open & Affirming
We affirm and celebrate the diversity of gender and sexual identity amongst God’s children. Acknowledge the historic violence and oppression the Christian church has committed toward LGBTQAI+ people, and work humbly and intentionally toward building a truly inclusive, affirming, celebratory, safe and healing environment for LGBTQAI+ folk, in our community and beyond.
Body Positive
We affirm and accept all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender or physical abilities, and work to express this value through our behavior, language and resources.
Sex Positive
We understands consensual, age-appropriate sex to be a healthy part of life and should be enjoyed, explored and discussed without shame, fear, or judgement.
Our Norms
Share your name and pronouns when you speak and honor the name and pronouns of others.
Ask if it’s okay to touch others you don't know before doing so.
Respect others desire to not talk, smile, or participate when they aren’t feeling it.
You have agency over your body in this space. Listen to your body. Feel free to stretch, stand, move or leave as you need, while giving space for others to do the same.
If you are triggered, feel free to express your emotions freely, express and maintain a healthy boundary in the space, ask for support, and or leave the space if need be.
Kids, and all the sounds they make are always welcome. Adults too 😊
Use an “I statement” before speaking on behalf of God if you choose to do so.
Try to use Gender neutral language for God.
Be good stewards of the shared space that we occupy.
Share only what you feel comfortable sharing. You can always pass.
July Service Info
Videos From Service
Children’s Videos
Unfortunately we couldn’t change the gendered language for God in these videos but do hope to have children’s church volunteers that will help us lead these songs eventually that will!