Open & Affirming (ONA)

Our Open & Affirming Statement

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. – John 13:34

“We the members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ value and welcome a diverse congregation. We believe all persons are created in God’s image and are loved, valued and blessed equally by God. We celebrate everyone including people of all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientation, gender identities and expressions, family configuration, economic circumstances, physical, cognitive or emotional abilities, education, or spiritual and religious traditions. We hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, that all persons are invited to fully share and participate in leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family.”

We strive to demonstrate in all ways that “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” We commit to the ongoing work of an Open and Affirming congregation, trusting in God’s grace and guidance from the Holy Spirit to fulfill this affirmation.

We encourage each other to bring questions, experience joy, feel included, and be part of something greater than ourselves. Learn more about the United Church of Christ. (Adopted 2018)

Resources for the Ongoing Work

Our ONA Statement reads, in part, “We strive to demonstrate in all ways that no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. We commit to the ongoing work of an Open and Affirming congregation…”

Supporting an LGBTQ+ loved one starts with understanding, compassion, and access to the right resources. Explore this guide from PFLAG for helpful tools, real stories, and practical advice on how to show up with care and confidence for the people you love.

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Looking to better support transgender and nonbinary people in your life? This PFLAG guide offers clear, practical guidance to help you understand key terms, navigate conversations, and take meaningful action as an ally—at home, at work, and in your community.

Download free guide

Looking for ways to live out an inclusive, affirming faith? The United Church of Christ’s Love is Louder initiative offers tools, reflections, and resources to help faith communities support the spiritual, physical, and mental well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals—rooted in the call to love your neighbor out loud.

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Looking to deepen your understanding of diversity and inclusion through reading? This curated book list offers a range of titles for all ages, helping individuals and communities explore different perspectives, challenge bias, and build more inclusive environments through learning and reflection.

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