The Open and Affirming Movement in the United Church of Christ

1. What does "Open and Affirming (ONA) mean?"
To say that a UCC church 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.

 Some other ways of saying this:

“We welcome you because you are the way you are.”

“We celebrate, love you, with joy, just the way you are with no judgment.”

“We accept you and the responsible expression of your sexuality as Christianly appropriate.”

2. Why is "ONA" the shorthand for "Open and Affirming"?
"ONA" is the "caps" version of "O & A" used by the UCC.  Other denominations use “O&A” or “Welcoming Church” to designate the same thing.

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."  In July, 2005 the 25^th Synod passed an additional resolution calling for support of equal marriage rights for all persons.

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. Because we are in covenant with one another, we are called to prayerfully consider all actions taken by General Synods.

6. What is the process for becoming ONA?
Most local churches engage in a time of study, prayer, and conversation before adopting an ONA statement. The average process is about 2 years but every church is different, depending on the needs of the congregation.

7. How do churches become recognized as ONA?

The UCC maintains a list of congregations that have adopted an ONA resolution.

8. Our covenant already says that we will ‘…be a welcoming and caring home community where all persons may find their faith.’; that we will ‘…treat each other and all people with respect, compassion and dignity,’ and we will ‘offer faith and encouragement to all of God’s people.”  Why should we extend a special welcome to GLB persons?
Too many GLB people and their families live with the pain of having believed that "all persons” meant them, only to discover otherwise. No one should have to guess about the "boundaries of inclusion" of a congregation. A clear welcome matters to GLB adults who, seeking a faith home and wonder if they will meet with silence or condemnation if they are "out" in church. It matters to GLB youth who are looking for guidance and acceptance in faith communities. It matters to families who feel that they need to hide the facts of the sexual orientation of a relative, fearing disapproval.  If we are truly welcoming to all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, we need to tell them.

9. If we already function in an "open and affirming" way, why do we need to make it official by adding the ONA designation?
Every congregation that adds its name and commitment to the ONA movement helps to counter the perception that "Christians think being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is wrong/sinful." The ONA message is that sexuality is a gift of the Creator, as is its responsible, loving expression. God's love, Christ's love, and the power of the Spirit 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 which affirm this grows so does the message of God's inclusive love!