2592 West 14th Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
800-653-0799
216-861-0779
office@ucccoalition.org
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2592 West 14th Street
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| What do you want to find? | Real Life ONA | ||
     About the ONA Program  Real Life ONA
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Real Life ONASo what does it really mean to enter into an ONA process, declare ONA, and live out that commitment? Here are stories and comments from folks who have actually done it. Blessings of Being an ONA CongregationPeople filling out the ONA Survey (2003) were asked the greatest blessing of being an ONA church. Below are some responses. How might being ONA bless your congregation? “It has broadened and stretched the heterosexual community into seeing what LGBT [people] are like in everyday life - the mystery has gone away and there is less fear. It has allowed fellowship in social settings, and has allowed LGBT people to be open about their sexuality, and has allowed them to find a church in which they are accepted.” “The process was very powerful and brought many individual members more closely together. This allows LGBT folk to be active as complete humans. The statement on our sign and on every bulletin has brought in new like minded (mostly straight) members and friends.” “It made everyone question their assumptions and unexamined beliefs. Everyone was and is liberated by this inclusion.” More responses are available in the right column on this page... ONA celebrationsWe continue to collect news and updates from ONA settings around the country. We hope these will provide more insight into how congregations and other settings are implementing their ONA commitments. |
More Blessings of Being an ONA Congregation“The sense of freedom to share openly the joys and concerns of everyone in the congregation.” “The giftedness that people bring to the community when they are affirmed and able to be their true selves.” “It has helped to enable us to be theologically more vibrant and given us a charism of welcome and acceptance.” [ A “charism” is a gift of the Holy Spirit for benefit of the church.] “The expressions of support from GLBT people who thank us for providing a place where they can come and feel safe and included.” “Having been close to death [as a congregation], we survived and now thrive.” “Diversity and living out the gospel.” “To be able to tell other UCC folks that our church is numbered among churches who are willing to take risks in reaching out.” “People from all backgrounds join because we are ONA. It is the #3 reason among new members.” “Support for our teens who often have to defend their LGBT friends from the condemnation of fundamentalists.” “Has opened us to new areas of welcoming and affirming other than sexual orientation.” “The increased struggle of our members to apply our faith to important matters of our time.” “Hearing the stories people tell about how they or their children were rejected by other churches and the relief and welcome they feel here.” |
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| Contact the web manager | The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns 800-653-0799 or 216-861-0779 office@ucccoalition.org |
Copyright 2008 | |
