A Groundbreaking Gathering: Reflections on the ONA National Gathering in Cincinnati
By UCC Coalition | October 11, 2024
by: Christopher Schouten, Member in Discernment, First Church Phoenix UCC
Attending the Open & Affirming Coalition’s national gathering in Cincinnati last month was an extraordinary experience for me, both professionally and personally. As someone deeply committed to inclusivity, radical welcome, and pushing the boundaries of traditional church teachings, this gathering was an affirming and inspiring space that emboldened me to be more transgressive in my ministry, and to embrace the gathering’s message of resistance and persistence more fully in all I do in the church.
A New Space for Ethical Non-Monogamy and Polyamory in the Church
The event made history in ways we might not have anticipated. For the first time, there was a dedicated space for Christians in ethically non-monogamous (ENM) relationships to meet, build community, and learn from one another. This was groundbreaking. As someone who presented on this topic alongside my co-presenter, Jennifer Martin, I witnessed firsthand the power of gathering people around an issue that is often highly polarizing in church circles.
The workshop we led, “Love’s Many Forms: A Workshop on Ethical Non-Monogamy & Polyamory,” was designed for two distinct groups: pastors and church leaders who want to develop awareness and create welcoming strategies for ENM individuals, and people in ENM relationships seeking a thoughtful theological framework for their lives. The diversity of attendees confirmed how needed this conversation is within the UCC and broader Christian communities. Many shared that they had never before felt seen or included within the church while navigating non-monogamous relationships. The overwhelming response was one of gratitude, relief, and excitement that this topic is finally being addressed.
Creating A Beloved Community Around Radical Welcome
The most profound takeaway for me was the deep sense of community built during the gathering. The Open & Affirming (ONA) Coalition’s commitment to radical welcome was palpable in every interaction, not just in official sessions. Throughout the event, I had the chance to engage with queer clergy and lay leaders who are at the forefront of creating inclusive church environments. Their stories of struggle, perseverance, and success deeply moved me and challenged me to continue expanding the reach of radical hospitality in my own ministry.
One powerful theme that emerged from these conversations was the importance of embracing the fullness of people’s identities. For too long, the church has often demanded that people “compartmentalize” aspects of themselves, hiding or minimizing certain parts to fit into a narrow definition of acceptability. Queer clergy and members spoke openly about how liberating it is to serve in a church where their race, class, sexuality, gender identity, and relationship styles are not just tolerated but celebrated as integral to their spiritual journeys. “Whole Lives Matter” was the theme that best illustrated this concept.
Learning From the National Setting
The opportunity to hear from national UCC leaders about the broader work of the Open & Affirming Coalition was also encouraging. There was a palpable sense of momentum within the denomination to expand ONA’s reach, ensuring that every church not only adopts an ONA covenant but lives into it fully. Leaders emphasized the importance of moving beyond simple statements of inclusion toward creating truly welcoming environments where LGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive.
One of the key takeaways from these conversations was the need for continual education and engagement. It’s not enough for a church to say, “We welcome everyone”; churches need to actively engage in ongoing learning about the needs and challenges facing marginalized communities. This means talking openly about topics like race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationship diversity—including ethical non-monogamy.
In my discussions with other attendees, I realized that I’m not alone in feeling that this work is never “finished.” Inclusion is not a box to check off; it’s an ongoing process of listening, learning, and evolving. We must be vigilant in ensuring that our churches don’t become complacent once they’ve adopted an ONA covenant. As I move forward in my own ministry, I feel a renewed sense of urgency to keep pushing for deeper, more meaningful inclusion in every aspect of church life.
Emboldened for the Future
The national gathering left me feeling emboldened and energized to take my ministry to the next level. The theme of radical welcome resonated with me deeply, and I am more committed than ever to expanding this in my own church community. I’m reminded of the many conversations I had with other attendees about what it means to be “transgressive” in our ministries. For many of us, this means challenging long-held church norms and pushing our congregations to expand their understanding of what it means to welcome all.
A Transgressive Ministry Moving Forward
I left Cincinnati with a renewed commitment to being as transgressive as I need to be in my ministry. If radical welcome means challenging the status quo, then I’m ready to challenge it. If it means creating space for conversations that make people uncomfortable, I’m ready for that too. This gathering affirmed for me that there are many others doing this work—queer clergy, lay leaders, and church members who are just as committed to creating churches that reflect the full diversity of God’s creation.
I’ve come away from this experience with new relationships, new ideas, and new energy for the work ahead. Most importantly, I’ve come away with a deepened sense of purpose. The church is evolving, and we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to shape that evolution in ways that honor the radical love of Christ. For me, that means continuing to advocate for the inclusion of ALL people, and ensuring that everyone can experience the fullness of God’s love in the church.