How does my church become ONA?

Introduction

The Open and Affirming Coalition certifies local churches and other settings of the United Church of Christ as “Open and Affirming” after adoption of an ONA covenant welcoming all persons into Christian fellowship. An explicit welcome to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is required. Most ONA covenants also welcome other communities that historically have been excluded or marginalized by the church.

ONA settings include:

  • Local congregations.
  • Associations and Conferences.
  • Colleges, universities and seminaries.
  • Campus ministries.
  • Health and human-service ministries
Congregations and other settings should understand before their vote that an Open and Affirming commitment is not only a policy, statement, declaration or an amendment to the church’s bylaws, but a covenant which, in our tradition, is a binding promise to “walk together in all God’s ways” (Constitution of the United Church of Christ). An ONA vote should always take place in the context of prayer and worship.

Normally, the Coalition requires an extended period of study, prayer, reflection and dialogue before the congregation or governing body votes on an ONA covenant. Exceptions can be made for new church starts organized as LGBT-welcoming communities, and in some other cases. Read our Alternative Track to ONA Certification for more information, and if your congregation is interested in pursuing this option, contact our ONA Team at ed@openandaffirming.org.

If your congregation has already adopted an ONA covenant and is seeking recognition, please use our ONA Covenant Certification Form.

Learn more

Short Guide to the ONA Process
Alternative Track to ONA Certification
More About ONA Covenants
How to Engage the Bible
Certification Form for new ONA Churches
Other Resources

Workshops and webinars for future ONA churches

Andy LangThe ONA Coalition’s executive director, Andy Lang, can lead workshops and training events for churches curious about ONA or taking their first steps towards an ONA covenant. Our programs are suitable for Conference and Association annual meetings, or for regional training events in local churches and seminaries. Our “ONA 101,” “ONA and the Bible” and “1-to-1 Conversations About ONA” webinars are offered in the spring and fall: they’re ideal for churches exploring or planning an ONA conversation. Our webinar and workshop schedule is published bi-weekly in RIPPLES, our email newsletter. Please contact Andy at ed@openandaffirming.org to learn more.

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