Community Church of Boston

The Community Church of Boston is a free community united for the study and practice of universal religion, seeking to apply ethical ideals to individual life and the democratic and cooperative principle to all forms of social and economic life.

Theology We affirm individuals and communities in their free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We are composed of members who benefit from their practice and faith as Jews, Atheists, Humanist, Christians, Theists, Agnostics, Buddhists, Pagans, and so on. While we welcome discussion and reflection, we leave the answers about God’s existence and the after-life to each individual. We shape our ethics and morality based on lived experience, history, as well as our commitment to justice and love.

History Since our founding in 1920 by Clarence Russell Skinner and John Haynes Holmes, the Community Church of Boston has been an active peace and justice congregation, a “free pulpit in action”, a non-sectarian, human-centered congregation with a rich and dynamic community life and a renowned history. For a detailed description of where we come from, we invite you to read A Brief History of the Community Church.

Sundays From September through June our 11:00am Speakers Forum is when we hear from inspiring and thought-provoking speakers on social justice topics. We listen, reflect on what we hear, build community together and oftentimes take action. Music adds a wonderful dimension to the service, and we dialogue with our speaker before gathering at 12:45pm for lunch in our Lothrop Auditorium. Read more about Sundays.

Membership Our community is small but authentic. With approximately 40 members and dozens of friends who come through our doors every year, together we gather on Sundays and at other times for events, meetings, and happenings. In deciding to become a member of the Community Church of Boston, individuals agree with our Statement of Purpose stated at the top of this page and signify their membership by signing the Membership Book, which declares: “We the undersigned, accepting the stated purpose of the Church, do join ourselves together, that we may help one another, may multiply the power of each through mutual friendship and may thereby promote most effectively the cause of truth righteousness and love in the world.” Oftentimes, individuals who sign our Membership Book are members of other congregations, churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc. We welcome those who are part of other faith communities, as they help us discover and build bridges to new communities and enrich our own. We hope that each active church member can become involved in congregational life she/he/they are able: to attend a Sunday service; to participate on a volunteer committee; to assist with facilitating the Sunday service or a related activity; to contribute financially as they are able; to serve as an elected Board member; to sing with our small Community Voices choir; and more.