Our One Law
At Riverside DC, our one law is love of God and neighbor. We are not concerned about your signing off on a creed. Justice matters. In this diverse community, we celebrate all identities, orientations, gender equality, and racial diversity. We draw the circle of God's love large here. Christ is the center here. No one more and nothing less. Whoever you are and wherever you are on the journey, you
are included.
Welcoming & Affirming (LGBTQ+)
Do we support marriage equality?
Yes, we do! I’m so glad you asked! In truth, we support all of our congregation, regardless of age, race, identity, or family/marital status. We are a safe haven, a place where you can bring your most-authentic self, without fear of retribution or ridicule. No matter where you are on your life’s journey; whether cis-gender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or questioning, we invite you to explore your faith with us. At Riverside, we care about you, and we want you to feel at home here.
Recognizing this world is often filled with isolation and judgement, we seek to be a safe harbor for those who love Christ and for those who are simply curious about God. We believe in the power of the Gospel to erase barriers and make us one people. God is love and God’s love is for everyone!
As a congregation, we are affiliated with the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) and the Alliance of Baptists. Our members volunteer for AWAB, provide outreach to our southwest D.C. community, and support the LGBTQIA community at large through participation in Queer Christian Fellowship (formerly known as the Gay Christian Network) and Capital Pride Alliance, just to name a few.
Creativity
We were all created by the Creator to be co-creators with God. God doesn’t merely create by God's self, but ordains us—the ones made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)—to the ministry of co-creation alongside God, giving us permission to say “Let there be” alongside God, especially in moments of chaos and crisis. We have the power to create in the face of crisis. We have the authority to change the trajectory of injustice with our “let there be” moments. Our creativity will be our salvation. Our innovation will be our survival.
Baptism & Communion
The communion table is open to all who desire to meet at God's table of grace. There is no requirement of membership or that one know and recite a creed. All are welcome.
Baptism is an outward acknowledgement of one's inner commitment to transformation that honors the ways and teachings of Jesus. It is a public act that connects you to a community of people who vow to walk with you on your journey of faith. In the Baptist tradition, you make a profession of faith -- a declaration of one's faith journey with Christ and in community.
More About Baptism at Riverside
Interested in being baptized and becoming a part of the movement for liberation? Email Rev. Mia at