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.