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40 Years of Open and Affirming: From Resolution to Revolution

This week, we gathered in Kansas City for General Synod 35 and the ONA National Gathering to celebrate a holy milestone: the 40th anniversary of the 1985 General Synod resolution that called United Church of Christ congregations to become Open and Affirming. It was more than a dinner. More than a commemoration. It was a call to remember—and a charge to respond.

From the main stage at plenary, Rev. Derek Terry, Acting Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition, invited ONA members to rise and bear witness to a truth that began long before 1985: LGBTQ+ people were already in our churches. Already baptized. Already gifted by God. Already beloved.

In that moment, we stood not only in celebration of the past, but in clear-eyed awareness of the present.

“In today’s climate of rising white supremacist nationalism and attacks on LGBTQ+ lives,” Rev. Terry said, “ONA is not just a statement. It’s a call to action.”

And that’s why the Coalition is launching A.C.T OUT ONA—a bold next step in our movement for justice.

A.C.T OUT stands for Advocacy, Community, and Transformation. It’s our invitation to every ONA church, supporter, and partner: go beyond symbolic welcome. Live out your covenant with action. In this time of book bans, anti-trans legislation, restricted healthcare, and attacks on truth, our response cannot be passive. It must be prophetic.

Some churches will organize vigils. Others will advocate for policy change. Some will partner with mutual aid groups, open their doors as sanctuaries, or form new interfaith alliances. Every action matters. Every voice counts.

Watch Rev. Derek Terry’s full speech Here —then ask yourself and your congregation: how will you A.C.T OUT?

And if you’re ready to get involved, sign up to be part of the movement here.

Let’s honor 40 years of faithful witness—not just with gratitude, but with courage.
Let’s move from welcome to work.
Let’s A.C.T OUT. Together.