What is an Open and Affirming church?


Open and Affirming is a designation for congregations and other bodies in the United Church of Christ that make public statements of welcome, love, and inclusion into the full life and ministry to persons of every sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The shorthand for Open and Affirming is “ONA.”

We at First Congregational UCC engaged in an ONA process in 2002 and 2003. During this period of study and reflection, we decided that we wanted to extend the same welcome to persons of every race, culture, nationality, age, family configuration, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, and socio-economic status.

Our Open and Affirming Statement was unanimously adopted at a congregation meeting on May 11, 2003.

Learn more about our ONA commitments:  LGBTQ+ | Anti-Racism | Immigration | Interfaith Connections