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The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Pocatello, Idaho is an Open and Affirming congregation.
FAQ: The Open and Affirming Movement in the United Church of Christ
1. What does "Open and Affirming (ONA) mean?"
To say that a setting of the UCC (a local church, campus ministry, etc.) is "Open and Affirming" means that it has publicly declared that "gay, lesbian, bisexual" (GLB) people (or those of all "sexual orientations") 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.
2. Why is "ONA" the shorthand for "Open and Affirming"?
"ONA" is the "caps" version of "O & A" (as in "salt 'n pepper"). The Open and Affirming Ministries in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) use "O&A" to identify their welcoming congregations.
3. What is the background of the ONA process in the UCC?
The process began on a national level in 1985 when the Fifteenth General Synod (national delegate body of the UCC) adopted the resolution, "Calling on United Church of Christ Congregations to Declare Themselves Open and Affirming." This General Synod action "...encourages a policy of non-discrimination in employment, volunteer service and membership policies with regard to sexual orientation; encourages associations, Conferences and all related organizations to adopt a similar policy; and encourages the congregations of the United Church of Christ to adopt a non-discrimination policy and a Covenant of Openness and Affirmation of persons of lesbian, gay and bisexual orientation within the community of faith."
4. Was this 1985 General Synod resolution the first to affirm GLB people?
No. Bodies in the United Church of Christ have been making such statements for more than thirty years. They have addressed, among other issues: support for GLB civil rights, elimination of institutionalized homophobia within the UCC, HIV/AIDS education and care as it affects GLB persons, and affirmation of the gifts and ministries of GLB clergy and laity.
5. Are all UCC settings required to be ONA?
No. The UCC's General Synod "speaks to but not for" local churches and other settings of the denomination. Because we are in covenant with one another, we are called to prayerfully consider all actions taken by General Synods; other settings of the church are then free to respond faithfully, according to the leading of God's Spirit.
6. What is the process for becoming ONA?
Most local churches and many other settings engage in a time of study, prayer, and conversation before adopting an ONA statement. An average process is about 2 years. Each process is different in order to address the interests and concerns of the setting. (Study resources are available. See question #12.)
7. How do churches and other settings become recognized as ONA?
Since the 1985 General Synod action, The UCC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns has maintained the listing of "ONA Churches." (In addition, it now lists: ONA Campus Ministries, ONA new church starts, Congregations in Conversation with the UCC (churches in early stages of development), ONA-Spirited Youth, and Conferences which have adopted an ONA resolution. More than 400 UCC settings are listed as ONA. (Details about listings are available from The ONA Program of The Coalition. See question #12.)
8. We already say: "We welcome everyone." To whom does it matter that UCC settings make public statements of welcome specifically to GLB(T)* persons?
Too many GLB(T) people and their families live with the pain of having believed that "everyone" meant them, only to discover otherwise. No one should have to guess about the "boundaries of inclusion" of a congregation or other ministry. A clear welcome matters to GLB(T) adults who, seeking to share their faith and gifts with the church, often wonder if they will meet with silence or condemnation if they are "out" in church. It matters to GLB(T) youth who need the guidance of faith communities as they question and establish their understandings of sexuality, spirituality, and relationships, but fear the same disapproval. It matters to families which too often hide the fact that they have GLB(T) children or other relatives. Fearing the indifference or rejection of their church, they are cut off from support and sharing which would enrich them and their congregation. It matters to GLB(T) clergy who often feel that to serve the church they must hide their true selves and lives. It matters to all Christians who believe that God's affirmation of the gifts of loving relationships and sexuality are not restricted to those who are heterosexual, and who look to their church to witness to God's inclusive love and help them to better understand and live it.
("T" for "Transgender" appears in parentheses in this document to indicate that it is an important issue for churches to address, but was not included, per se, in the Open and Affirming resolution of the General Synod in 1985. See # 10 below.)
9. If a local church or other setting already functions in an "open and affirming" way, why become officially "ONA"?
Every congregation, campus ministry etc. that adds its name and commitment to the ONA movement helps to counter the widespread perception that "Christians think being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is wrong/sinful." The ONA message is that sexuality is a good gift of our Creator, as is its responsible, loving expression. God's love, Christ's church, and the Spirit's power are for people of every color, age, ethnicity, gender identity, economic status, and ability—whether they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. As the list of churches and other bodies which affirm this grows so does the proclamation of God's wondrous, inclusive love!
10. Is an ONA welcome restricted to "sexual orientation?" What about transgender persons?
Based on the 1985 General Synod resolution, "Open and Affirming" statements specifically address sexual orientation. It is clear from the ongoing, often bitter struggles around GLB concerns in many denominations that there is need for clarity about the church's inclusion of GLB persons. The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns also shares the commitment of many in our national church setting to inclusion of transgender persons in the UCC. It encourages all settings which are engaged in an ONA process to include information about transgender experience and to include "transgender" persons or persons of all "gender identities" in their statements. Further, the misinformation, stereotypes, and prejudices which fuel heterosexism, racism, ageism, sexism etc. are evident and interrelated in our society. ONA statements recognizing this and expressing commitment to continually work against such oppressions is encouraged.
11. Is ONA the only movement of its kind?
No. The ONA movement in the UCC is one of the growing, ecumenical "Welcoming Church Programs" which include similar programs in 9 other denominations in North America as well as the involvement of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. There are also "Affiliates" of the Welcoming Church Programs, which share their commitment to a GLBT affirming Church (e.g. The Shower of Stoles Project www.showerofstoles.org).
12. Whom should I contact for more information and resources?
There are many people in the UCC whose ministries include support and education about human sexuality, relationships and family life, LGBT concerns, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, and Open and Affirming. Here are some key contacts:
General LGBT concerns and resources
The Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Interim National Coordinator
The UCC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns
Email: NationalCoord@ucccoalition.org
800-653-0799
Web site:  www.ucccoalition.org (under "Programs")
The Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer
HIV/AIDS and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns
UCC Wider Church Ministries, Cleveland, OH
Email: schuenem @ucc.org
216-736-3217
Web site: www.ucc.org/lgbt
POCI (People of Color Institute)
The Rev. John Selders (CT)
Email: jerjon@aol.com
809-951-0058
Web site: www.ucccoalition.org (under "Programs")
Human sexuality
Ms. Ann L. Hanson
Minister for Children, Families and Human Sexuality Advocacy
UCC Justice and Witness Ministries, Cleveland, OH
Email: hansona@ucc.org
216-736-3718
UCC Web site: www.ucc.org
Bisexuality (UCC network)
BAMN! (By All Means Necessary!)
The Rev. Louise Green (NY)
Email: vlgreen@mindspring.com
914-962-7334
Web site: www.ucccoalition.org (under "Programs")
Inclusive church
The Rev. Margaret (Peg) Slater
Inclusive Ministry Coordinator
UCC Local Church Ministries, Cleveland, OH
Email: slaterm@ucc.org
216-736-3838
UCC Web site: www.ucc.org
Open and Affirming (ONA) information
ONA program of The UCC Coalition—ONA resources, listing as an ONA setting etc.
The Rev. Ann B. Day
ONA Program Coordinator (The Coalition)
Email: ONACoord@ucccoalition.org
508-856-9316
Web site: www.ucccoalition.org (under "Programs")
LGBTQ youth and young adults
YYA program of the UCC Coalition—resources on youth and sexuality/relationships, preventing youth suicide, etc.
Mr. Tim Brown
Youth and Young Adult (YYA) Program Coordinator (Commissioned Minister)
Email: YYACoord@ucccoalition.org
970-330-8614
Web site: www.ucccoalition.org (under "Programs")
Parents/Families
UCC Parents (of LGBT persons)
The Rev. Bob and Ms. Joyce Strommen (OH)
216-228-9635
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