Guidelines for Open and Affirming Statements

To view sample ONA Statements, click here.

An essential part of The Coalition's ministry is helping UCC churches and other settings understand what is meant by "Open and Affirming" (ONA).

Based on the UCC General Synod's 1985 Open and Affirming resolution, a congregation is recognized as ONA if it has adopted a public statement/covenant welcoming persons who are "lesbian, gay, and bisexual" (or those of all "sexual orientations") into its full life and ministry.

Before making this commitment, most churches enter an "ONA process," beginning with a time of study, prayer, and discussion, usually leading to a decision about making an ONA declaration. An affirmative decision ushers in the next (ongoing) phase of the process-living out the ONA witness!

Since the action of the General Synod in 1985, awareness of the interconnection between sexual orientation and gender identity has grown considerably. Therefore, The Coalition encourages all congregations to include "transgender persons" (or those of all "gender identities") in their ONA processes and statements. Recognizing that persons desire to bring their whole selves to the Church and that many barriers (e.g., racism, ageism, etc.) continue to prevent this, many churches also make clear that, in addition to sexual orientation and gender identity, their welcome extends to persons of every color, age, economic situation, ability etc. In addition, churches often acknowledge their reliance on the leading of God's Spirit and their commitment to further learning so they may genuinely "walk the talk" of their welcome.

Based on questions we are most frequently asked, here are some guidelines for an ONA statement:

1. What is the essence of an ONA Statement?

2. Can we simply say "All people are welcome!"?

3. Can we adopt only a nondiscrimination statement?

4. Do we have to take a vote to become ONA?

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1. What is the essence of an ONA Statement?

It declares a specific WELCOME to persons who are "gay, lesbian, bisexual" (or persons of all "sexual orientations") into the full life and ministry of the church (e.g., membership, leadership, employment). The Coalition encourages the inclusion of "transgender" persons, as well, or those of all "gender identities" (see comments above).

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2. Can we simply say "All people are welcome!"?

No, not if you wish to be listed by the Coalition as an ONA church. Such general statements are already made by most Christian churches but gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (lgbt) persons have learned from painful experiences that this message often does not mean us. ONA congregations are those willing to clarify their openness to and affirmation of lgbt persons as members of Christ's body.

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3. Can we adopt only a nondiscrimination statement?

No. While such statements are very important and we hope churches will adopt them, they are different from an Open and Affirming Statement, which conveys an attitude of welcome. (Please note the difference in content and tone in examples of each in the "ONA resolution" from General Synod 1985.)

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4. Do we have to take a vote to become ONA?

Not necessarily. What is important is that the congregation affirms a statement that can publicly express its position on lgbt inclusion. Most churches do vote, but if your church wishes to make this decision through another process (e.g., consensus), that is certainly acceptable.

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The ONA movement in the UCC is enriched and informed by the diversity of statements written by local churches and other UCC settings. The Coalition encourages the uniqueness of statements while offering guidelines to insure commonality of purpose.

Some sample statements are provided on this site for your information.

We are pleased to offer feedback on draft ONA statements or answer any questions you may have.
ONACoord@UCCcoalition.org

May God bless your church in this and all aspects of its life and ministry.

(Adopted by the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns Council June 2002) 

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