Whoever you are,
where ever you are
on life's journey,
you are welcome here!
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)
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
OPEN and AFFIRMING
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. To say that a setting of the UCC (a local church, campus ministry etc.) is "Open and Affirming" means that it has publicly declared that "gay, lesbian, bisexual" (GLB) people (or those of all "sexual orientations") are welcome in its full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment etc.) It bespeaks a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to live out that welcome in meaningful ways.
The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns provides significant leadership in the ONA movement, developing resources and urging congregations to become ONA. Since 1985, more than 760 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 witness 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.
RESOURCES
Online Catalog - UCC LGBT Resources
UCC Resources carries ONA and other LGBT related published by the UCC, Pilgrim Press and the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns. Click here to go to the online catalog.
Called Out E-News: Subscribe Today!
Stay up-to-date on the progress of the Open and Affirming Program, LGBT advocacy opportunities, and what our office and others are doing for and with the LGBT community.
Film: Call Me Malcolm: www.CallMeMalcolm.com
Order DVD Now
Download Study Guides
Brief Discussion Guide
6 Session Study Guide
Cover-6 Session Study Guide
Transgender Day of Remembrance [PDF]
November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance. This PDF is a pastoral letter and prayer from the UCC's LGBT Ministries Office.
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.
A Prayer in Silence
Students and teachers nationwide observe a day in silence in April to echo the silence that LGBT and ally students face everyday. The Day of Silence is one of the largest student-led actions in the country. For more information go to: www.dayofsilence.org.
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.
