Open and Affirming

First Congregational United Church of Christ welcomes and affirms people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

Our Covenant

In 2001, the members of First Congregational United Church of Christ formally declared themselves an Open and Affirming congregation. The declaration reads:

 WE CONFESS that the Church has often judged and excluded gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender people, and those individuals who are questioning their sexual orientation.

WE CONFESS that we have been complicit by our silence.

WE CONFESS the presence of ignorance, fear, and hatred in ourselves, in the Church, and in our society.

WE ASK the grace of God to overcome this complicity of silence.

WE ASK the grace of God to overcome ignorance, fear, and hate.

Our fervent prayer is that all people in our congregation will stand firm in the assurance that Christ’s redemptive love enfolds us all.

We affirm diversity in our members, in our staff, and in our leaders. We believe that diversity brings us strength and a greater awareness of God’s creation.

THEREFORE, we declare ourselves and Open and Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Christ.

Approved by congregational vote February 25, 2001.