Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
This Church Is Going Viral For Their Openness And Their Sign Game Is Epic (30 New Pics)
Interview
Love your neighbor as yourself. Turn the other cheek. And remove the plank in your own eye before worrying about the speck in someone else’s.
If you’ve ever been to a Christian church, you’re likely familiar with the standard lessons they teach. But it’s not every day that pastors also address xenophobia, transphobia, police brutality and various refugee crises. The Clackamas United Church of Christ in Milwaukie, Oregon, however, doesn’t shy away from any of these topics.
Below, you’ll find some of the best messages that this progressive church has posted outside of their congregation to make it clear to everyone where they stand on certain issues. Keep reading to also find a conversation we were lucky enough to have with Pastor Adam Ericksen, and be sure to upvote the signs that make you want to pay a visit to Clackamas this Sunday!
More info: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Website
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Clever Signs
RELATED:
#2
Clever Signs
#3
Amy Wants You To Know That Banning Books Based On Violence And Sexuality Means We Ban The Bible
Paul Pienkowski 1 year ago
Some brilliant lady already figured this one out. She got the Bible banned under the Republicans own law and they were sooooo peeved!
Even if you’ve never stepped foot in a Christian church in your life, you may be familiar with some of the values. But unfortunately, the messages of love and understanding sometimes get lost in translation or twisted, and churchgoers are left with a bad taste in their mouths. Feeling judged and unwanted is the last thing anyone should feel when attending a service, so the Clackamas United Church of Christ works hard to ensure that everyone feels welcome there. This congregation, which prides itself on being an inclusive community, welcomes anyone and everyone to attend services, just as Jesus would have wanted.
Reverend Adam Ericksen has been the pastor at CUCC since 2018, and he keeps open-mindedness at the forefront of his church. When earning his Masters in Theological Studies from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, his thesis was titled “Love and Nonviolence in Christianity and Islam,” and his progressive views have ensured that CUCC welcomes all with open arms.
#4
Clever Signs
#5
Clever Signs
Mycroft1967 1 year ago
"Things Jesus Never Said" page is fun to look at. My favorite. Sorry, I can't heal you. You have a pre-existing condition.
#6
Trans Rights Are Human Rights
We reached out to Pastor Adam to hear more about what Clackamas is like, and lucky for us, he was happy to have a chat with Bored Panda. The last time we spoke with him was about two years ago, so first, we wanted to know if there were any updates on Clackamas he could share.
“Our messages on the sign inspired people from around the world to join our interactive online services on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. We have people from our hometown of Portland to Toronto to London to Lima to Brisbane,” Pastor Adam shared. “It's a global online church. Since coming back to our local campus worship services earlier this year, we were excited to keep our online service going.”
#7
May God Save Us From Violent Christian Theology
#8
Clever Signs
#9
For All The Women Who Died From Illegal Abortions, We Pray
We also asked the pastor if he believes this sign has brought many people into his church that may not have otherwise walked through the door. “The sign has been a big influence on our congregation,” Pastor Adam shared. “People from around the Portland area have joined the local church because of the sign. People from around the world have come because of the signs. People often say that they would never enter a church, but that our signs have made them feel comfortable about our church.”
#10
Clever Signs
#11
We Can Solve The Houseless Problem In The United States Because The Cost To House Everyone Is Less Than The Cost Of One Aircraft Carrier
#12
This Church Supports The Right To An Abortion. C-Ucc.org For More
When it comes to where Pastor Adam and his team gets their ideas for the signs, he told Bored Panda they come “from the Bible (especially passages about social justice), from current events, and from progressive Christian theologians,” adding that they’ve had no shortage of ideas yet!
We also asked the pastor if there were any misconceptions about Christianity or the church that he would like to dispel. “The people on the religious right that are homophobic and ‘anti-woke’ are a minority within Christianity,” he noted. “They just happen to be very loud. There are many progressive Christians who are increasing our volume to show support and solidarity in the struggle for ant-racist policies and policies that affirm out LGBTQIA2+ siblings.”
#13
We Love Lori's Message. It's True. Be Kind. Everyone Is Struggling. Just Be Kind
#14
Clever Signs
#15
Clever Signs
Take me to dinner first 1 year ago (edited)
I think in honor of this sign we all should insert a comment in our own first language here EDIT: i'm getting super curious about what you guys are saying, GOOGLE TRANSLATE HERE I COME
Sonja 1 year ago
Jedermann sei willkommen. Möge deine Freundlichkeit dir Freude und Freundschaft ins Haus bringen
Load More Replies...
Monday 1 year ago
I'd be very concerned if the bible said that...considering it wasn't written in English.
Majungasaurus 1 year ago
The kindest and coolest people I’ve ever met have been current immigrants trying to escape war and poverty by coming to my amazing country of Canada, and we welcome you all ❤️ I’ve heard so many heartbreaking “go back to your own country” stories from the US, including from Ukrainian refugees
Johanne Boucher 1 year ago
Bienvenue aux immigrants mais seulement s'ils parlent anglais - n'a jamais dit la Bible (French and not Google translate)! Tellement vrai! J'adore écouter d'autres langues, c'est fascinant!
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)
This is a huge stereotype. Also what do you mean that the English language is not "theirs"? I never heard of anybody "owning a language." You do also know that the English language has a significant history and was greatly influenced by a number of socio-cultural and historical events ? Language does not exist in a vacuum and. As an an expat linguist working in the language services industry in the United States I have met a number of Americans who are bilingual or trilingual. Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese are amongst some of the other top languages spoken in the US. ~signed, your friendly neighbourhood linguist
Load More Replies...
And if you’ve previously had a less than favorable experience with a church, Pastor Adam understands where you’re coming from. But he wants you to know that you’ll always be welcome at Clackamas. “God understands, too. Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is to reject the false image of God as a homophobic, racist tyrant,” the pastor shared. “That god is an idol. But if you want to explore God or religion or spirituality, there are many churches in the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ and other denominations that are repenting of the harm Christianity has often caused in our history and working to do better. If you are interested in joining others on that adventure, we would love to welcome you on the journey.”
#16
Our Transgender Siblings Are Made In The Image Of God
Majungasaurus 1 year ago
Keep on keeping on babes, you’re making history ❤️ there are people here who love and are cheering for you
#17
Christians Homophobia Has A Strategy When It Comes To The Laws In Leviticus. This Strategy Allows Christian Homophobia To Do What It Normally Declares Is A Sin - Pick And Choose Which Passages Of The Bible To Follow
censorshipsucks 1 year ago
Tutu is one of our great leaders we are grateful to have had him stand against the nazi apartheid state. - South African here.
#18
Clever Signs
Majungasaurus 1 year ago
Welcome, immigrants :) get your asses over here! Let’s get you comfortable and have a party about it!
We’re big fans of the signs Pastor Adam and his team share in front of CUCC, so this isn't the first time we’ve interviewed him at Bored Panda. About four years ago, we were able to get in touch with Pastor Adam, and he shared a bit about how the signs got started in the first place. “People saw our building, but didn't know what our values were,” he explained. “So we started a fundraiser for the sign, and I started posting those messages. People began to stop as they drove by to thank me for the messages. But I didn't know it would have an online impact too."
“Amidst the pain of the world and all the hate, people are thirsty for something deeper,” Pastor Adam continued. “The truth of the Gospel is that all people are loved. The sin is when we start treating certain people and groups as if they are not loved. Jesus was most critical of those who used religion as an excuse to marginalize others. We are merely seeking to follow Jesus in the best way we can."
#19
I Will Always Love You. -Whitney, Dolly And God
#20
Clever Signs
#21
Clever Signs
Before Pastor Adam arrived at Clackamas, their numbers were a bit lower, but he surmised that this was because people weren’t sure what the congregation’s messages and values were. "I decided that we needed to be bold with our message of love and inclusion, especially for those who are marginalized, especially by religion,” he previously told Bored Panda. “My goal is to be part of a larger movement that is reframing or redefining Christianity so that it's based on God's love for all people."
#22
Clever Signs
Tim Nicebutdim 1 year ago
But what if my wife finds out? She'll be furious I've been loving them again.
#23
There Were 3,800 Anti-Asian Incidents Last Year. Stop Asian Hate
Shark Lady 1 year ago
If we could get rid of hate towards each other, we would all benefit from it. It's what is in our hearts that matters, not what our outside shell looks like.
#24
Clever Signs
Clearly, as we can see from the virality of the signs outside of Clackamas every week, Pastor Adam has done a great job accomplishing his mission. “There are so many of us who are trying to get this message out and whether we do it in the name of God or the name of humanity or the name of God and humanity -- I say amen, let's do this,” he previously shared. “I just want people to know that God loves them, and we love them and we’re for them. It sounds so cheesy, but that’s the basic message!"
#25
Clever Signs
justmemorticia 1 year ago
I need to have this ghost talk with my dad. If he's feeling generous that day, he even adds three dots.
#26
Systemic Racism Is Everywhere In The United States, Including Our Medical System. We Need To Name It To Transform It
Majungasaurus 1 year ago
Black American women are suffering because a bunch of old white men made some decisions on how women should take care of their reproductive cycles. They literally have no idea what they’re talking about but have just enough power that it doesn’t matter. They’re literally going to kill and hurt people
#27
This Church Rejects Christian Nationalism. Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Etc. Belong
We hope you’re enjoying this list of wholesome and uplifting signs, pandas. While not every church in the world is willing to share such messages, I would guess that Jesus is very proud of those that are. Keep upvoting the signs that you would like to see outside of your own local congregation, and then if you’re interested in seeing even more clever and uplifting messages that Clackamas has shared in the past, you can find Bored Panda’s last article featuring the church right here!
#28
Let Your Religion Be Less Theory And More Love. -Gk Chesterton
#29
We Pray For Refugees From Ukraine, Syria, & Throughout The World
Majungasaurus 1 year ago
Honestly I have a big apartment and spare bedroom and I’ve been trying to find a way to sponsor a family!
Add New Image
What do you think ?
censorshipsucks 1 year ago (edited)
You know what, as an Atheist I would attend this church. THIS is what christians are supposed to be.
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
I turned away from organised religion after the hypocrisy of some churches stating that they preach Jesus' words of love and acceptance only to twist the word's of the bible to harm LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, female ministers, etc. As a queer woman I never felt like I was quite enough for the church I used to attend as there was such an emphasis on getting married, settling down, and having children. I had a priest ask me if I was truly happy as a woman since I wasn't married-- I left and never turned back. I became much more spiritual and find beauty and solace in nature. However, this is a church seems to truly understand and practise what they preach. Now this is a church I believe myself and many others would be welcomed at.
️Crystal️ 1 year ago
A lot of UCC ( United Church of Christ) churches are welcoming, I even found one in central Texas. The pastor is a lesbian with a mohawk. They had a drag show recently, so many people showed up to protest it 🙄
astral slug (he/she/they) 1 year ago
idk there's something about my denomination having lesbian pastors... we love them though :D
Load More Replies...
Singing Panda 1 year ago
As a Christian who just escaped a toxic church, this warmed my heart and showed me what true Christianity is.
Mark Karol-Chik 1 year ago
WHAT A GREAT POST!!! AS A NON BELIEVER, THIS IS APPEALING TO ME. I STILL WON'T GO, BUT A GREAT POST!
Mamza Paulse 1 year ago
this is like my favorite thing. I LOVE SEEING PRIDE FLAGS AT CHURCH. AND BLM FLAGS. it is the best thing
Heather Christie 1 year ago
I'm so glad that if I had to be baptized (I was 3 mo old), it was into this denomination, the UCC. The pastor who performed my baptism 42 years ago was a gay woman who lived with her female "roommate" but my parents' generation on down knew and didn't care. Now thankfully the lgbt+ pastors can live their lives openly. I know Pastor Judy is up there with God, unlike the evangelicals.
ConstantlyJon 1 year ago
as a christian, I do wish my church was more like this. they aren’t, but they aren’t as toxic as many churches are either. I find myself in the minority on a lot of these issues though, which saddens me.
Destini Mattocks 9 months ago
THIS. This right here. God loves each and EVERY one of us, be it gay, atheist, or whatever a person is/believes. This is what was preached by Jesus.
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
It is great that this is getting out to people, but it does make me feel sad that this one church is getting praised like it is the only one saying this, while people say 'the good Christians should be drowning out all the others' and ignoring the others who do. There are many churches, many denominations that believe this but they are silenced by people both because they speak out 'Don't push your religion' and because they don't say it loudly enough.
Barbara Baldwin 1 year ago
I drive by Clackamas often but I don't remember if its in Washington or Oregon
Lailaaa 1 year ago
Ummm…. The Bible literally teaches that homosexuality is wrong. I think a lot of people translate the Bible teaching homosexuality is wrong= Christians hate anyone LBGTQ+, which is not true. We don’t agree with their beliefs, but we still love them as a person. Still though, I don’t think they should be teaching that homosexuality is ok, because according to the Bible, it is a sin. The Bible teaches that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God has a good and perfect plan for those who trust in him and follow him
astral slug (he/she/they) 1 year ago
Hmmm... As Christians we are called to follow the teachings of Jesus, and that guy loved unconditionally, even when someone was very different from him. I am a LGBTQ Christian and this comment makes me sad.
Load More Replies...
Tiny Dancer 1 year ago
A true Christian wouldn't condemn anyone. But, you knew that before spewing your hate. They all do.
Load More Replies...
censorshipsucks 1 year ago (edited)
You know what, as an Atheist I would attend this church. THIS is what christians are supposed to be.
LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago
I turned away from organised religion after the hypocrisy of some churches stating that they preach Jesus' words of love and acceptance only to twist the word's of the bible to harm LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, female ministers, etc. As a queer woman I never felt like I was quite enough for the church I used to attend as there was such an emphasis on getting married, settling down, and having children. I had a priest ask me if I was truly happy as a woman since I wasn't married-- I left and never turned back. I became much more spiritual and find beauty and solace in nature. However, this is a church seems to truly understand and practise what they preach. Now this is a church I believe myself and many others would be welcomed at.
️Crystal️ 1 year ago
A lot of UCC ( United Church of Christ) churches are welcoming, I even found one in central Texas. The pastor is a lesbian with a mohawk. They had a drag show recently, so many people showed up to protest it 🙄
astral slug (he/she/they) 1 year ago
idk there's something about my denomination having lesbian pastors... we love them though :D
Load More Replies... Singing Panda 1 year ago
As a Christian who just escaped a toxic church, this warmed my heart and showed me what true Christianity is.
Mark Karol-Chik 1 year ago
WHAT A GREAT POST!!! AS A NON BELIEVER, THIS IS APPEALING TO ME. I STILL WON'T GO, BUT A GREAT POST!
Mamza Paulse 1 year ago
this is like my favorite thing. I LOVE SEEING PRIDE FLAGS AT CHURCH. AND BLM FLAGS. it is the best thing
Heather Christie 1 year ago
I'm so glad that if I had to be baptized (I was 3 mo old), it was into this denomination, the UCC. The pastor who performed my baptism 42 years ago was a gay woman who lived with her female "roommate" but my parents' generation on down knew and didn't care. Now thankfully the lgbt+ pastors can live their lives openly. I know Pastor Judy is up there with God, unlike the evangelicals.
ConstantlyJon 1 year ago
as a christian, I do wish my church was more like this. they aren’t, but they aren’t as toxic as many churches are either. I find myself in the minority on a lot of these issues though, which saddens me.
Destini Mattocks 9 months ago
THIS. This right here. God loves each and EVERY one of us, be it gay, atheist, or whatever a person is/believes. This is what was preached by Jesus.
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
It is great that this is getting out to people, but it does make me feel sad that this one church is getting praised like it is the only one saying this, while people say 'the good Christians should be drowning out all the others' and ignoring the others who do. There are many churches, many denominations that believe this but they are silenced by people both because they speak out 'Don't push your religion' and because they don't say it loudly enough.
Barbara Baldwin 1 year ago
I drive by Clackamas often but I don't remember if its in Washington or Oregon
Lailaaa 1 year ago
Ummm…. The Bible literally teaches that homosexuality is wrong. I think a lot of people translate the Bible teaching homosexuality is wrong= Christians hate anyone LBGTQ+, which is not true. We don’t agree with their beliefs, but we still love them as a person. Still though, I don’t think they should be teaching that homosexuality is ok, because according to the Bible, it is a sin. The Bible teaches that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God has a good and perfect plan for those who trust in him and follow him
astral slug (he/she/they) 1 year ago
Hmmm... As Christians we are called to follow the teachings of Jesus, and that guy loved unconditionally, even when someone was very different from him. I am a LGBTQ Christian and this comment makes me sad.
Load More Replies... Tiny Dancer 1 year ago
A true Christian wouldn't condemn anyone. But, you knew that before spewing your hate. They all do.
Load More Replies... You May Like ‘Ends Humour’: 50 Spot-On Posts That May Leave You Chuckling At The Ridiculousness Of It All (New Pics) 50 Mind-Numbing Memes For Anyone Who Needs A Good Laugh Today (New Pics) 40 Clever, Fun And Plain Hilarious Church Signs
Viktorija Ošikaitė
Evelina Šiukšterytė
Eligijus Sinkunas
Related on Bored Panda
