WHAT DOES "OPEN AND AFFIRMING" MEAN?
Open and Affirming (ONA) is the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the UCC which make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
The Open and Affirming Coalition certifies local churches and other ministries of the United Church of Christ as “Open and Affirming” after adoption of an ONA covenant welcoming all persons into Christian community, including equal participation in the life and ministries of the church. An explicit welcome to LGBTQ+ persons is required. Most ONA covenants also welcome other communities that historically have been excluded or marginalized by the church.
Crossroads is currently going through the process to be certified as an "Open and Affirming" congregation.
Beyond the Pew
As I walk into church,
I see many people
In their skirts
And Sunday dresses
Suits and ties
Talking to the greeter
Putting on a smile
During worship,
I see hands waving in the air
Some on their knees,
And everyone else standing
What I can’t see is
The Broken marriage
Or they guy that lost his job
The hurting and broken,
The Weary, the unstable
The person who
Can’t take it anymore
Or who is or isn’t “saved”
What I don’t see is,
The gays we prayed away
The trans we told Don’t belong
Who we expect to change their ways
Or the people we “couldn’t” save
Because they’ve “fallen astray”
We welcome those with disability’s
Only to provide healing and prayer
Odd looks and private rooms
What I want to see is
Inclusions rather than seclusion
Love that doesn’t discriminate
Different views without collision
Or in need of revision
Faith that doesn’t judge
That doesn’t cost your freedom
Or drain your pockets
Church isn’t a person place or thing
Church should be what Jesus preached;
Unconditional love
~Pauline Preuninger
