Whoever you are,
where ever you are
on life's journey,
you are welcome here!
The LGBT Ministries of the United Church of Christ provide support by:
- Resourcing Open and Affirming (ONA) Programs
- Outreach to LGBT persons, their families and friends
- Advocacy on LGBT issues, such as marriage equality, hate crimes legislation and non-discrimination policies
- Facilitating educational workshops and conferences
- Developing multi-media resources
For more than 30 years the national setting of the UCC has been on a clear course of welcome and inclusion, calling for serious study of human sexuality, supporting the civil rights of LGBT persons, and in 1985 adopting the Open and Affirming (ONA) resolution.
The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns provided significant leadership in the ONA movement, developing resources and urging congregations to become ONA. Since 1985, more than 730 UCC congregations have engaged in ONA study programs and voted to be ONA congregations and many of them are among the most vital and vibrant congregations in the UCC. Conferences, Associations, seminaries, and UCC-related colleges and universities are among the various other settings and related institutions of the UCC which have declared themselves to be Open and Affirming.
What has made all the difference in this movement is the churches and other settings which have not only declared themselves Open and Affirming, but have faithfully lived into the values of a church with an extravagant welcome.
Scores of people have been transformed by the ONA witnessed of the UCC. It is a witness that is changing the world, saving lives and helping to build God's community of welcome, justice and peace.
The LGBT pages of the UCC web site are dedicated to those who wish to learn more and want to help the Open and Affirming movement go forward. Click on the links in the "Index" located in the left column to find resources and information or for further assistance send a note to LGBT@ucc.org.
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns is an affiliated, self-created, affinity organization in the United Church of Christ providing leadership, resources and advocacy within and beyond the UCC on LGBT concerns. The Coalition is a valued partner in ministry, however, it is not part of the national offices of the denomination.
National Gathering, "One Tribe, One Table"
In conjunction with The Fellowship and featuring the theme "One Tribe, One Table," National Gathering of the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns 2008 will be held June 25-29 in Dallas. Featured speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Horace L. Griffin, an Episcopal priest, pastoral theologian and seminary professor. He is author of Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbians and Gays in Black Churches (Pilgrim Press, 2006).
- Registration: Adult registration fee is $125 if submitted by May 31; thereafter, cost is $175. Youth registration (5-16) by May 31 is $75; after May 31, the fee is $100. No registration fee is required for infants to age 4. For more information or for registration details, click here http://www.ucccoalition.org/programs/gathering/
- ASIST Training Pre-Event: Youth and Young Adult Program will offer a pre-event for National Gathering. Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) June 23–25 at First Community UCC in Dallas. ASIST is an internationally recognized evidence-based practice that teaches techniques in recognizing suicide risk, and what to say and do to keep the person safe until the next level of help becomes involved (see: www.livingworks.net). Workshop fee of $85 covers materials, Suicide Intervention Handbook and continental breakfast and lunch for three days.
Many Stories, One Voice
www.ManyStoriesOneVoice.org
The North American Convocation of Pro-LGBT Christians will hold "Many Stories, One Voice" Sept. 4-7 in New Orleans. A leadership-development event, MSOV comprises the gamut of beliefs (Protestant, Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, Anabaptist), a rainbow of peoples (African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latino/a, First Nation People, European American) and a wide array of sexual identity (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, heterosexual). Progressive, moderate and conservative views are represented as participants are drawn together to speak the truth of God's extravagant welcome. Agenda items include rich Bible Study, profound worship, relationship building, skills building, reflective/incisive theological analysis and strategic action. The goal is transformation – of individual lives, of our pro-LGBT movement and of our culture. A word of welcome for those of multi-faiths and those without religious affiliation: While this conference is rooted in Christian tradition and draws heavily on the languages and cultures within Christianity, ALL are welcome. The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns is one of the sponsors of this event.
LINKS
Out in Scripture
This Human Rights Campaign resource places weekly comments about the Bible alongside real life experiences and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith and our allies.
