Open and Affirming is the way many in the United Church of Christ (UCC) declare welcome and inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), same gender loving (SGL) persons into the full life and ministry of the church.
The message of love and compassion, justice and peace are at the very core of the life and ministry of Jesus. Open and Affirming (ONA) ministries and resources are rooted in that Gospel message. The testimonies of these ministries proclaim the truth of God’s power to transform cultures of hate and violence into communities of healing and reconciliation. They give witness to God’s continuing testament and how the gifts of God are being liberated for service in the world.
The first national UCC body to affirm civil rights for LGBT people did so in 1969. The Council for Christian Social Action, a predecessor body to Justice andWitness Ministries adopted the “Resolution on Homosexuals and the Law.” In 1972, the UCC ordained the first openly gay person into ministry, the Rev. William R. Johnson. In 1985, the UCC’s General Synod declared itself to be “open and affirming” and called upon all settings of the church to become similarly poised to welcome LGBT persons as full members of the church. (UCC.com)
Dorothy Powers is a member of our LGBTQ faith community and leader of our Open and Affirming Ministry and gave a powerful testimony on Sunday, May 12th.
OASIS is a connection group for the local LGBTQ community on issues of faith. Hosted by FCCGE, we meet in person at FCCGE the first Wednesday and 3rd Sunday of the week from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Contact Dorothy Powers if interested.
Transgender Day of Visibility
Interfaith Worship Service a FCCGE
March 31st, 7 pm
Each year on March 31, we honor International Transgender Day of Visibility. There are over 1.6 million trans, non-binary and gender-expansive youth (age 13+) and adults across the United States. Trans parents and family members. Trans coworkers, neighbors, and friends. The transgender community is diverse, representing all racial and ethnic backgrounds as well as all faith traditions. While we have made significant progress in recent years with more visibility than ever before, we are still fighting for acceptance and many basic human rights for the community. Today and every day, we must celebrate all trans and non-binary people everywhere and combat disinformation, discrimination and hate impacting our community.
Please join us Monday, March 31st at 7 pm, for an interfaith celebration of Transgender Visibility.
Reception to follow and we need folks to bring treats so please sign up below!
