ONA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does "Open and Affirming (ONA)" mean?
2. Why is "ONA" used for "Open and Affirming"?
3. What is the background of ONA in the UCC?
4. Was this 1985 General Synod resolution the first to affirm people in regard to sexual orientation?
5. Are all UCC settings required to be ONA?
6. What is the process for becoming ONA?
7. How do UCC churches and other settings becomerecognized as ONA?
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?
9. If a local church or other setting already functions in an "open and affirming" way, why become officially "ONA"?
10. In our ONA statement, may we welcome persons in regard to other identities in addition to sexual orientation and gender identity?
11. Is the ONA program the only one of its kind?
12. Whom should I contact for more information and resources?

Note: ONA By Numbers
Over time, churches close and merge, etc., and in order not to shift all the numbers on the listing every time this happens, a church that closes is simply italicized along with its number. So the "active count" of ONA churches is always several less than the number given to the most recent church listed. Anyone wishing a current active count may contact the ONA office: ONAadminassist@UCCcoalition.org or call 508.856.9315.

1. What does "Open and Affirming" (ONA) mean?

Based on the Open and Affirming action of the General Synod (1985), to say that a setting of the UCC (a local church, campus ministry etc.) is “Open and Affirming” means that it has publicly and specifically declared that “gay, lesbian, bisexual” 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.

Recognizing the contributions of transgender persons of faith who are part of the UCC and the interconnection of gender and sexual orientation, both The Coalition and the national setting of the UCC also encourage the welcome and inclusion of persons who identify as “transgender” (or those of all “gender identities.”) In 2003, the General Synod urged this in “Affirming the Participation and Ministry of Transgender People within the United Church of Christ and Supporting their Civil and Human Rights.”

In 1997, The Coalition changed its name from the “United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns” to “The United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns.” This was done to intentionally and publicly announce our commitment to the inclusion of all persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The ONA Study Packet reflects this commitment by containing materials about all four identities.

Today, as settings consider declaring and living “ONA,” we strongly urge that they include in their discernment processes and statements both those who are “lesbian, gay, bisexual” (or those of all “sexual orientations”) and those who are “transgender” (or those of all “gender identities and expressions”).

(See also #8 and #10 below)

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2. Why is "ONA" used for "Open and Affirming"?

“ONA” is the “caps” version of “O ‘n 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

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3. What is the background of ONA in the UCC?

Using the language of “More Light” (employed by Presbyterians who support lgbt-inclusion),  the idea of  “Welcoming congregations” was first raised at the General Synod in 1983. No formal action was taken by the General Synod but, in the months after that, a group of UCC members from the MA Conference continued work on this. They developed a resolution using the term “Open and Affirming” and it was adopted by the Annual Meeting of the MA Conference in 1984. That resolution and one from the Rocky Mountain Conference formed the basis of the resolution adopted in 1985 by the Fifteenth General Synod (national delegate body of the UCC).

The resolution was entitled:  “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.”

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4. Was this 1985 General Synod resolution the first to affirm people in regard to sexual orientation?

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. As noted above, more recently, the General Synod has also addressed transgender concerns. (See: www.ucc.org/lgbt)

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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 their discernment of the leading of God’s Spirit

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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. (Numerous study resources are available. See question #12.)

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7. How do UCC 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 has listings for: ONA Campus Ministries, ONA new church starts, ONA Seminaries/Divinity Schools, Congregations in Conversation with the UCC (churches in early stages of development or coming into the UCC from other denominations), ONA-Spirited Youth,  Conferences, Associations, and UCC Educational Institutions which have adopted an ONA resolution. More than 700 UCC settings are listed as ONA. (Details about listings are available from The ONA Program of The Coalition. Email ONACoord@uccCoalition.org. See question #12.)

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8. We already say: "We welcome everyone." To whom does it matter that UCC settings make public statements of welcome specifically to GLBT persons?

Too many GLBT 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 GLBT 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 GLBT 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 of their lives or dismissal of their gifts. It matters to families which too often hide the fact that they have GLBT 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 GLBT 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.

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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!

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10. In our ONA statement, may we welcome persons in regard to other identities in addition to sexual orientation and gender identity?

The short answer is: yes.

Given the ongoing, often bitter struggles around GLBT concerns in church and society, it remains clear that there is need UCC settings to be specific about their inclusion of GLBTpersons. This is the primary focus of the ONA movement.

However,  the misinformation, stereotypes, and prejudices which fuel heterosexism, sexism, racism, ageism, , ableism, etc. are numerous and interwoven in our society. Thus, a setting’s welcoming persons in regard to color, age, abilities, economic situation, etc., and expressing commitment to continually work against all oppressions are encouraged, in the name of God’s extravagant welcome. Knowing that the  many aspects of who we are welcome in church life enables all of us to bring our whole selves to the worship and service of God. (Such a wide welcome involves, of course, ongoing education, prayer, and advocacy about the spectrum of who we are so that we may better understand one another’s experiences and help shape a world that is just and respectful of us all.) 

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11. Is the ONA program the only one of its kind?

No. It is one of the ecumenical “Welcoming Church Programs,” networks of churches and other settings in eleven denominations in North America. Their work is strengthened by the participation of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and 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) For more about the ecumenical efforts of the Welcoming Church Movement see the Institute for Welcoming Resources (a program of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force)  www.welcomingresources.org (Also refer to our resources page and the list of weblinks to other organiztions.)

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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: (Also refer to our resources page and the list of weblinks to other organiztions.)

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Contacts

General LGBT Concerns and Resources:

The Rev. Ruth Garwood, Executive Director
The UCC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns
Email: ed@ucccoalition.org
800-653-0799
Web site: www.ucccoalition.org

Open and Affirming (ONA) Information

(ONA program of The UCC Coalition - ONA resources, listing as an ONA setting etc.)
Rev. Malcolm Himschoot (until 12/31/2007), after, please see The Coalition’s website for staff name.)
Email: ONACoord@ucccoalition.org

Web site: www.ucccoalition.org  - under Open and Affirming (ONA)

For a list of ONA Consultants, click here.

LGBTQ(QI) Youth and Young Adults and Those Who Work with Them

(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
720-941-1062
Web site: www.ucccoalition.org  - under Youth and Young Adults (YYA)

The Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns/HIV-AIDS Ministries
(UCC Wider Church Ministries, Cleveland, OH)
Email: schuenem@ucc.org
216-736-3217
UCC Web site: www.ucc.org/lgbt

POCI (People of Color Institute)
The Rev. John Selders (CT)
Email: jerjon@aol.com
809-951-0058

Ms. Ann L. Hanson
Minister for Children, Families and Human Sexuality Advocacy
(UCC Justice and Witness Ministries, Cleveland, Ohio)
Email: hansona@ucc.org
216.736.3718
UCC Web site: www.ucc.org

BAMN! (By All Means Necessary!)
The Rev. Louise Green (N.Y.)
lgreen@all-souls.ws
Web site: www.UCCcoalition.org (under “Programs”)

Inclusive Church

The Rev. Margaret (Peg) Slater
Inclusive Ministry Coordinator
(UCC Local Church Ministries, Cleveland, Ohio)
Email: slaterm@ucc.org
216.736.3838
UCC Web site: www.ucc.org

Parents and Families

UCC Parents (of LGBT persons)
Bob and Joyce Strommen (OH)
216.228.9635

 

* “Sexual orientations” refers to the spectrum of heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual (gay/lesbian) identities. For more on sexual orientation see:
http://www.apa.org/topics/orientation.html

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