Open and Affirming (ONA) Statement
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manhattan, Kansas
In response to God’s call
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manhattan,
as a diverse body of believers seeking to live in the light and
image of God in Christ, does affirm:
that every person has equal worth as a special and unique creation made in God’s image;
that in the spirit of love, openness, and inclusiveness we welcome persons of every race, culture, nationality, age, family configuration, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, and socioeconomic status to participate fully in all aspects of our church’s life and ministry;
that as agents of reconciliation and wholeness, we embrace justice and seek to support and offer sanctuary to all who suffer discrimination or who are disenfranchised from the community, and pledge ourselves to be a wellspring of faith for a diverse people in the heart of this community;
that in the light of the Gospel we will strive to comprehend and continue to appreciate more fully our differences and gifts;
that through grace, our love for God and neighbor may flourish.
In response to God’s call
- which we experience in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that breaks down barriers and gathers us into one body,
- which we express in our covenant “to be open to the new light and truth God has for us” and “to take our stand for justice and peace,”
- and which is embodied by our mission “to love and accept others unconditionally as God loves and accepts us,”
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Manhattan,
as a diverse body of believers seeking to live in the light and
image of God in Christ, does affirm:
that every person has equal worth as a special and unique creation made in God’s image;
that in the spirit of love, openness, and inclusiveness we welcome persons of every race, culture, nationality, age, family configuration, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, and socioeconomic status to participate fully in all aspects of our church’s life and ministry;
that as agents of reconciliation and wholeness, we embrace justice and seek to support and offer sanctuary to all who suffer discrimination or who are disenfranchised from the community, and pledge ourselves to be a wellspring of faith for a diverse people in the heart of this community;
that in the light of the Gospel we will strive to comprehend and continue to appreciate more fully our differences and gifts;
that through grace, our love for God and neighbor may flourish.
