Open & Affirming
Grace UCC is an open and affirming congregation.
“Open and Affirming means that it has publicly and specifically declared that those of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions (or lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people) are welcome in its full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment, etc.) It bespeaks a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to live out that welcome in meaningful ways…” from United Church of Christ
There are helpful resources about this topic: a good starting point is on the UCC website.
Approved by unanimous vote at the congregational meeting on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008
Grace UCC, a church without barriers to God, is a welcoming, inclusive, open and affirming congregation, rooted in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus teaches us to welcome all God’s children into God’s covenantal community. In the spirit of Paul’s words in Galatians we recognize, celebrate, and give thanks for the diversity in which God has created us, each in the image and likeness of God and loved and embraced by God. We welcome into full community our gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender sisters and brothers. As we live out our mission of “serving justice, loving kindness” we invite all, regardless of sexual orientation, to join us in hearing Jesus’ call to share God’s love through full participation in the life, ministry, and witness of our church. We acknowledge that discrimination of any kind is incompatible with Christ’s example and gospel of unconditional love. Following Jesus’ example we hereby declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming Church. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
