Building a stronger, healthier Western New York, one mission at a time.
Since our founding in 1854, Westminster has been committed to journeying alongside our neighbors throughout the city of Buffalo. During our early beginnings in the late 19th century, our congregation founded the country’s second-ever settlement house to help resettle immigrants into this City of Good Neighbors. More recently, in the early 21st century, we founded the Westminster Economic Development Initiative to support the economic autonomy and entrepreneurship of Buffalo residents.
Most recently, we have renewed our local engagement by developing four teams who strive toward addressing injustices within our community as we expand our commitment to journey alongside our neighbors. In partnership with local organizations, each team is tasked with the following:
- Coordinates awareness/volunteer events
- Provide relationally focused programming
- Join in advocacy opportunities within the realm of the team’s focus
Current events and meeting schedules are included in our Sunday bulletin and weekly E-news (sign up here). We encourage friends and members of Westminster to join in these efforts. Listed below are our four teams, followed by our local partners.
interfaith collaboration
We practice an inclusive Christianity and find value in journeying alongside members and organizations of other faith traditions. Our common faith values unite rather than divide, and we find that our own faith is strengthened through working with our neighbors who practice faith both within and beyond Christianity.
Racial Justice
Established for more than two decades, we continue our commitment to address racial injustice in our community and in our nation, with the goal of creating a more just society for all.
LGBTQ+ Equity
The LGBTQIA+ mission committee is aimed at education and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Buffalo-Niagara region. We focus on issues facing this population emphasizing the joy the community finds amidst the oppression and struggles they face. A team comprised of allies and members of the community working together towards these goals meets once a month.
Refugee and Immigrant Support (RIST)
Primarily, we work to help resettle refugees and immigrants into their new homes in the Buffalo area. Along with resettlement organizations, RIST helps these new members of our community with food, clothing, education, transportation, friendship, and other needs as they arise. In addition, we advocate for the rights of our new neighbors.
