The Open and Affirming Coalition - UCC

A Legacy of Love: Celebrate Give Out Day & Pride with the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ

For over 50 years, the Open and Affirming Coalition has been a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ individuals within the United Church of Christ. Founded in 1972, we've walked alongside our siblings and chosen families on a remarkable journey of affirming dignity, creating inclusion, and building justice.

Imagine a world where:

• A young person feels safe exploring their identity in the loving embrace of their church. 
• A same-gender couple can exchange vows with the full support of their faith community.  This vision goes beyond marriage itself – it's about a church that celebrates their love from the very beginning, offering a safe space to be open about their relationship, to share their journey, and to find unwavering support in their walk with God.  
• LGBTQ+ voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered to lead.

This is the world the Open and Affirming Coalition fights for!

We've achieved incredible milestones:

• Advocated for LGBTQ+ civil rights within the United Church of Christ. 
• Advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in society, including the right to privacy.  
• Championed marriage equality within the church.  
• Supported and advocated for seminarians and others called to ordained and authorized ministers.
• Claimed seats at the table, literally the Coalition has 4 delegates representing LGBTQ+ concerns at the General Synod (all-church decision-making body) of the United Church of Christ. 
• Fueled the Open and Affirming movement, creating welcoming spaces for all.
• Shepherded more than 1,870 churches through their Open and Affirming Covenant process. 
• Working to secure same gender partner and gender affirming healthcare benefits for church employees.  

The Fight Continues: Stand with Us This Give Out Day and Pride

The landscape for LGBTQ+ rights has grown increasingly complex. Trans youth face targeted legislation, healthcare access is under threat, and the fight for full inclusion continues.

In the face of such adversity, the Open and Affirming Coalition remains a beacon of hope.

This Give Out Day and Pride Season, your contribution empowers us to:

• Expand the Open and Affirming Movement: We'll continue to guide and accompany more churches through the process of becoming inclusive, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
• Strengthen Our Network: We'll continue support existing Open and Affirming churches in renewing or updating their covenants, ensuring a continuous commitment to extravagant welcome, dignity, and inclusion.
• Build Bridges for Change: We'll continue to work with our denomination, ecumenical partners, and local churches to create coalitions and partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, fostering unity for the multiple fronts for  justice and advocacy work.
• Empower Advocates: We'll continue to develop resources, training programs, and best practices to equip churches and develop leaders to champion LGBTQ+ rights, safety, and inclusion beyond their walls.
• Create a Circle of Support: We'll continue to provide support networks and resources for LGBTQ+ people within and outside the church, as well as for LGBTQ+ clergy (and other leaders) navigating their leadership roles.
• Foster Safe and Affirming Spaces: We'll continue to work with churches and other organizations in their ongoing work in creating environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel welcomed, protected, celebrated, and fully affirmed in their identities.

Together, we will create a world where love truly knows no bounds. A world where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive in their communities, not just within church walls.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY and celebrate Give Out Day & Pride with the Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC! Share this campaign and join the movement. 

Your generosity and the power of community will help us continue to be a "spur to the conscience" for generations to come!