Words of hope

From parents of gays and lesbians who form the organization known as PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays)

"We change hearts and minds by telling our personal stories. Our stories cannot be denied. You cannot hate someone whose story you know. It is increasingly critical that we tell our stories, that we tell our truth. I will continue to tell mine wherever and whenever I can. Tell your stories, make your voices heard. Stand up and be counted now!"

UCC Coalition

The Coalition provides support and sanctuary to all our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sisters and brothers, their families and friends; advocates for their full inclusion in church and society; and brings Christ's affirming message of love and justice for all people.

This Coalition ministry is rooted in our particular place as Christians working for peace and justice, inspired by the Good News of God's extravagant welcome.

UCC Coalition Logo 

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A simple definition

Open and Affirming (ONA) means that a setting of the UCC (local church, conference, campus ministry, etc.) has publicly declared that those of all sexual orientations are welcome in its full life and ministry (membership, leadership, employment). While the focus of ONA is on sexual orientation, to be open and affirming implies a welcome to people regardless of any of the "isms" which cause people to not be welcomed in other places, i.e., racism, ageism, etc.


Our ONA story

In 2001, under the guidance of our Pastor, the Elders began the process of understanding what it means to be open and affirming. In October of 2001, both the Elders and the Council, adopted a statement defining and declaring the intention of St. John UCC to be open and affirming in the welcome and inclusion of all people in the life of the church. That statement is included in the bulletin, newsletter and website. The statement is as follows:

"All people are welcome to worship at St. John United Church of Christ and become members of our congregation. No one is excluded from enjoying fellowship with us because of age, sex, race, color, challenge, or sexual orientation and/or affectional preference."

"Our Christian congregation appreciates differences in people and encourages diverse views. We worship God with one another. All are welcome to participate fully in the life of our church."

Following the adoption by the elders and council, a period of study and reflection took place under the guidance of Rev. Scott, Interim Minister, and Rev. Norwalk, the Eastern Association Minister. In August, 2003 at a congregational meeting, the people of St. John voted unanimously to become an Open and Affirming Congregation. Rev. Lohrbach began as our pastor in March, 2004 and felt called to St. John in part because of our ONA standing. Since 2004, Pastor Barbara and the Elders have been seeking God's direction in how to live out the commitment of being an Open and Affirming Congregation. Part of that process included being listed in 2005 as an Open and Affirming Congregation through the work of the UCC Coalition and becoming a "God is Still-Speaking" congregation.


Important points to help us answer the questions and to stand firm in our commitment to be a place of extravagant welcome.
  • We believe that all people are created in the image of God and as such, are loved by God.
  • We do not see homosexuality as an issue to be confronted. We see homosexuals as persons loved by God and part of the world in which we live. We cannot love an issue. We can only love people. Gays and lesbians are people we know and love.
  • Sexual orientation is only part of the Open and Affirming commitment. We welcome everyone regardless of race, creed, age, gender, ability, sexual orientation and economic status.
  • We want to be reflective of the world we live in and affirm the gifts and abilities of everyone without asking them to hide a part of themselves.
  • We believe that the Bible points us to God, but that the Bible is not God.
  • We believe that the Bible needs to be interpreted in the context in which it was written and interpreted for our context as well.
  • We believe that the Bible was never intended to end the conversation but to encourage it. God did not fall silent after the writing of Revelation and the canonization of scripture. If so, we would still have slaves, and women would be seen and not heard. In the words of John Robinson, a Pilgrim and forbearer of the UCC, "God has yet more light and truth to break forth out of his holy Word."
  • We believe that hate is not a Christian value. Some Christians carry signs that read "God hates fags." Some children of God have been murdered simply because they were gay. We cannot remain silent in the presence of hatred.
  • Teenagers who are gay or lesbian are 2 to 6 times more likely to attempt suicide and they account for 30% of completed suicides among teens today. One in four homosexual youth are kicked out of their homes and forced to live on the streets.
  • Many of us have co-workers, friends and family who are gay or lesbian. Many of those people were baptized as infants and children in churches who have since denied them as adults because of their sexual orientation.
  • Many Christian denominations have a corresponding movement like Open and Affirming, including the Presbyterian Church USA, the Disciples of Christ, the Alliance of Baptists, Dignity USA (Catholic Church), the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Episcopal Church and many more.
  • We do not pretend to have all the answers or to understand all there is to know about sexuality and sexual orientation. We do know that we are called to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength; and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
  • If asked about being a "gay" church, simply say we are Jesus' church or Christ' church. Keep the focus on welcoming everyone and God will take care of the rest. Be patient as this may be the first time some people have even had the courage to talk with someone. And please contact Pastor Barbara or a council member if you have any questions or need assistance.