We are an Open and Affirming Congregation

But what does that mean?

At St. Paul U.C.C. we recognize that each of us is a child of God. We also understand that not everyone feels reassured by the words "All are welcome."

We adopted our covenant in 2020 because we felt it was important to spell out who we are and how we feel called to follow Christ.

Open and Affirming (ONA) designation means that we:

  • Recognize LGBTQ+ seekers, people of all races, abilities, socioeconomic status and citizenship as fellow children of God.
  • Advocate for their basic rights.
  • Support their relationships.
  • Invite them to participate fully in all sacraments and rites, including baptism, confirmation, communion and marriage.
St. Paul U.C.C. Open and Affirming Covenant
Adopted Nov. 29, 2020
In response to the call of the General Synod of the United Church of Christ, we declare ourselves an Open and Affirming congregation and we promise:

To accept all persons without regard to race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality or marital status when calling clergy, hiring church staff and/or contracting for goods and services.

To affirm that people of all nationalities, races, socioeconomic status, ages, abilities, genders, gender identities, marital statuses and sexual orientations are embraced within the family of God and the fellowship of St. Paul United Church of Christ.

To honor, support and celebrate the partnerships and families of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; celebrating the image of God in every person and the sacredness of life.

To encourage all persons to share their talents and energy in the worship, ministry, mission, educational programs, and leadership of St. Paul United Church of Christ, offering full participation in the life of the church.

To denounce and deplore acts of homophobic violence, to confront the continuing injustice of institutional discrimination, and to advocate equal protection under the law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

The Church Council shall establish an implementation team to work with the congregation and implement the covenant statement in the life and ministry of St. Paul United Church of Christ.