The ONA movement in the United Church of Christ (UCC) began, on a national level, in 1985 when the General Synod (the national delegate body of the UCC) adopted the resolution, "Calling on United Church of Christ Congregations to Declare Themselves Open and Affirming" (ONA).

The central affirmation of an ONA congregation is that "gay, lesbian, and bisexual people" (or "people of all sexual orientations") are welcome in the full life and ministry of the church.

In light of the growing awareness of the interrelatedness of sexual orientation and gender identity, The Coalition also encourages the inclusion of transgender persons and information in ONA processes and in ONA statements (where the phrase those of "all gender identities" might also be used).

UCC settings (local congregations, campus ministries etc.) become "officially ONA" by adopting an "Open and Affirming" statement expressing this welcome and sending this (with date adopted, body which took the action, and request to be publicly listed as ONA) to The Coalition's ONA Program (address below). Guidelines for ONA Statements are included on this website.

Adoption of statements is usually preceded by a period of study, prayer, reflection, and discussion on the subjects of sexual orientation/gender identity, Biblical messages about sexuality, diversity and inclusiveness in the Church, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life and relationships, how the church might live out an ONA commitment, and related topics. Resources for helping you in this process are available.

Each setting composes its own ONA statement (often drawing upon the 1985 resolution of the General Synod). Sample statements are available on this site or by contacting the ONA Program.

Other geographically defined bodies in the UCC, Conferences and Associations (within Conferences) are encouraged to make "Open and Affirming" commitments and assist local churches in the ONA process. Many individuals, committees, and task forces around the country are committed to this work.

There are currently more than 700 churches listed with The Coalition as ONA. In addition, there are a growing number of ONA new church starts, campus ministries, ONA-Spirited Youth recognitions, and UCC Conferences which have adopted an ONA resolution. We also list "Congregations in Conversation with the UCC" (welcoming churches which are in the early stage of development or are part of another denomination but considering joining the UCC).

For listings, see the Directory and the quicklist of settings on this site.

The Coalition’s ONA Program, begun in 1987, has provided the primary structure, leadership, and resources for the growing network of ONA congregations and related working groups in the UCC. Leadership for the program is provided by the Executive Director, Ruth Garwood, in consultation with the ONA Advisory Committee: Sam Loliger (NY), Margaret Jacoby (AZ), and Linda Jaramillo (OH). With the help of many in The Coalition and others in the UCC, the ONA Program offers:

• Print resources
• Assistance/advice by phone and letter or email
• A newsletter - the ONA Communique (which now is included in The Coalition's newsletter, WAVES)
• Resource displays at meetings
• Guidelines for ONA Statements
• Speakers and workshop leaders
• Trained ONA Consultants to help locally with the ONA process
• The listing of ONA settings within the UCC

The Coalition's ONA Program is strengthened by its cooperative relationships with those doing LGBT and related justice, evangelism, and inclusive church work through the national UCC Ministries, and the ecumenical Welcoming Church Movement, nine other programs (like ONA) in various denominations in the U.S. and Canada (and affiliate groups). These and other groups are listed on the links page on this site.

Member groups have developed a Bible study curriculum on homosexuality, Claiming the Promise, and an inclusive worship resource, Shaping Sanctuary (please see our resources page).

The ONA Program also helped produce the ONA video "Open and Affirming: A Journey of Faith" which is available through United Church of Christ Resources (800.325.7061).