On June 25, 1972, William (Bill) R. Johnson became the first openly gay person to be ordained to the Christian ministry in the UCC. This video tells the story of that landmark event and the process that made it possible. Great for Open and Affirming programs and groups exploring vocation and ordained ministry in the UCC. Includes brief study guide.

A collection of personal stories, articles, resources etc. about bisexual identity, experience, and Christian faith, developed with the help of BAMN!, the bisexual network within the United Church of Christ.

A packet of materials including theological background, five sample services, liturgical resources, and “Personal Witnesses” by those who have been part of such services.

An embossed certificate to be presented to a couple at their covenant service. Comes with envelope. (6½" high by 5" wide)

Called to Equality: Considering Marriage Equality is a resource in the Just and Loving Relationships Series. It includes two 1-hour sessions created to encourage ONA settings and lgbt-supportive communities to live into God's call for justice in the public sphere. It is free to download or $15.95 for a bound copy from The Coalition office. To download a PDF of this resource, please click here.

This set of nine Bible study lesson plans and devotional resources enable congregations to rediscover the biblical basis for inclusion.

A resource designed for Christian clergy meeting with same-gender couples prior to a blessing or marriage ceremony. This collection includes reflections of the meaning of covenantal relationship, unique issues which arise when working with same-gender couples, questions to explore with couples, and more. Contributors include the Rev. Yvette Flunder, Dr. Scott Haldeman, and the Rev. Leanne Tigert.

Congregations Discerning Their Response to Lesbian and Gay Christians

Mahan Siler

A small-group resource for congregational outreach to LGBT members as well as those outside the church.

In response to the question, "Now that we're ONA, what do we do?" This seventy-five page publication offers ideas about outreach, education, and celebration from ONA settings around the country. Includes an extensive resource section.

Has the logo for all ONA settings.

A seven session study packet for use in local congregations. Prepared by the Open and Affirming Task Team of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC, and the UCC Coalition. Materials on sexual orientation, youth issues (video included), family and relationships, heterosexism/homophobia, scriptural interpretation, the ONA process in the local church, and more. This packet includes both the Bisexuality Pocket and the Transgender Pocket listed below.

A response to frequent questions about the meaning of being “affirming,” the resource provides opportunity for seventeen lesbian, bisexual, and gay United Church of Christ members to speak for themselves about what it means to be affirmed by local churches.

If you (or others you know) have ever wondered if the Open and Affirming movement matters, if it makes any difference when it comes to sharing the good news of Christ or shaping the lives of individuals and faith communities, this is a must-read! More than fifty UCC folks share how ONA has blessed and challenged them and their settings in the UCC.

A Family Struggles with Coming Out

Marcy Clements Henrikson

One Christian family's story of “coming out” to their church, friends, and community as the family of a lesbian daughter.

This resource includes Open and Affirming sermons preached by UCC local church pastors on a variety of justice and inclusion concerns. Volumes 1 and 2 each contain nine sermons.

Growing a Community from the Outside In

Cheri Divono

This book chronicles a minister’s attempts to expand the membership of a rapidly shrinking congregation in a poor, inner city Toronto neighborhood. When members decided to evangelize among the marginalized and "queer" at their gate, church members are radically changed. It answers the question of how do we understand evangelism biblically and in a completely new way.

A Spirited, ecumenical collection of prayers, liturgies, blessings, music, essays, sermons, and more, produced by the Welcoming Church Movement (programs like “Open and Affirming” in various denominations). Includes a study guide and resource lists.

Karen P. Oliveto, Kelly D. Turney, and Traci C. West

First book in a new series– Holy Conversations – that addresses the often difficult to discuss topics in church as well as society.

A compendium of 30 years of UCC social justice policy on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) concerns (1969-1999).

Eight same-gender couples’ joyful, historic, legal marriages in faith communities in Massachusetts. At least one person in each couple is a member of the UCC. The resource includes photos of the couples and their reflections on marriage, with additional comments by officiants, family and friends.

Horace Griffin

This book provides a historical overview and critical analysis of the black church and its current engagement with lesbian and gay Christians, and shares ways in which black churches can learn to reach out and confront all types of oppression - not just race - in order to do the work of the black community.

Personal stories, articles, resources, etc. about transgender identities, experiences, and Christian life. Order both the Transgender Pocket and Bisexuality Pocket for $11.00