Open and Affirming (ONA)
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Justice
Our church went through a transformative process to be certified as an Open and Affirming church, committing to welcome, affirm and celebrate LGBTQIA+ justice. With a shared sense of doing what is right we voted to become an ONA church and adopted this declaration on September 22, 2013:
The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Camden, Maine is an Open and Affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person.
Because we are all created in God’s image we welcome into full membership and participation in the Body of Christ persons of every race, ethnic background, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic background, marital status and faith background.
We welcome everyone to share in all aspects of our church life.
Since then, we have come a long way in understanding the significance of these words. We are welcoming, open and affirming. We have nondiscrimination policies in all the above tenets. But that is not enough and there is deep yearning in the congregation to further embody the words of our statement—to be transformed in relationship with all people.
We look forward to all who join us on this journey.
The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ
Founded in 1972, the Coalition has helped the UCC reach each of its milestones on the journey towards acceptance and justice for its LGBTQ+ and same-gender-loving members.
Visit UCC Website