WELCOME TO AMISTAD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST!

Amistad UCC is a multi-racial, multi-cultural, Christ-centered community of faith in Hartford, Connecticut.  Led by persons of color, Amistad is committed to the inclusion of all people regardless of age, color, gender, sexual orientation or social class.  The church is named for the African captives who found freedom after staging a revolt aboard the ship Amistad in 1839.  Our mission is to foster that same freedom within and among our parishioners by providing an open, affirming and safe space for all to come together for faith and friendship.

To review our Affirmation of Liberation, click here

Our History

Amistad was founded in November, 2001 by the Reverend John L. Selders, Jr.  It is one of two Protestant churches in Hartford's Southend, arising from Rev. Selders' vision for a relevant community of faith that is committed to the area's diverse population and fosters social, racial and economic justice from urban perspectives.

Amistad's first worship service was held on Sunday evening, November 4, 2001 at the Broadview Community Church in the Southend.  Nine people were in attendance.  One year later at the first anniversary observance, 80 people joined in worship and celebration. Amistad's community continues to meet at the ELMWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY AT 1:00 p.m.

Akin to all beginnings, there are acts of faith and courage that come before us. Amistad UCC’s beginning has a story in much the same way.

Imani Fellowship Community Church was gathered as a community of God on April 30, 1995. Under the aegis of the Holy Spirit a number of sisters and brothers who had recently left Faith Congregational Church, gathered at the Conference Center of the Connecticut Conference, UCC. that morning to discern why they had been called out of Faith, and to hearken to the voice of the Lord as they sought new direction. The Reverend Carmen Wooster administered the service of the Word. Feeling that God was indeed calling them forth to be witnesses of Christ in a new community, many of the sisters and brothers gathered there that morning resolved to form themselves into a church.
Through the faithful and diligent commitment of many, Imani Fellowship Community Church persevered with Reverend Dr. William J. Butler, The Reverend Stephen G. Ray Jr. and the Reverend Selena L. Blackwell serving as pastor. In January 2003, the congregation agreed formally to join with Amistad UCC becoming one congregation. It’s with great join and enthusiasm that we embrace God’s call and direction for our lives in service to humanity. We are honor to be on this freedom journey together, children of the Almighty under the banner of Amistad United Church of Christ.
As the church family grows, we look forward to finding a permanent home of our own.

Mission and Ministry.

Amistad's mission and ministry is four-fold:

1. Worship -- through praise, prayer and proclamation;

2. Fellowship -- providing a place of community, connection and journeying together;

3. Care -- encompassing spiritual, social, emotional, physical and psychological well-being;

4. Training -- including Bible study, small affinity groups, topical discussion groups and more, all designed to foster spiritual maturity and build the body of Christ in our hearts and minds.

Our ministry currently includes Sunday worship services, a mid-week Bible study class and fellowship activities.  We will soon be building ministries for youth and young adults, music an social service.

We hope you will join us!