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Open & Affirming (ONA)

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All are WELCOME

“The First Congregational Church is an Open & Affirming Congregation partnered in ministry with faithful churches of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all God’s children into Christian faith, including: persons of all ages, races, socioeconomic status, religious and non-religious background, national origin, physical and cognitive abilities, sexual and gender identity or expression, and the many diverse forms of family configurations. We proclaim and affirm that full and equal participation in the life and leadership of our church is open to all. We seek to continue to learn and grow together as the inclusive Body of Christ. We are committed to spreading the light of Christ in the world through worship and service. Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

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‘All Are Welcome’ isn’t enough

 

LGBTQ+* people of faith often experience emotional and spiritual injury in churches that condemn their capacity to love and seek love. Because they’ve learned that “All Are Welcome” usually doesn’t apply to them, they can’t assume that any church will be safe for them and their families.

A public welcome by an Open and Affirming (ONA) church sends a clear message to LGBTQ+ seekers that they have a home in the United Church of Christ.

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