Video History

This video history of the Open and Affirming Coalition (formerly the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns) is incomplete: it does not mention the leadership of transgender people in the Coalition or the 2003 General Synod resolution affirming the rights of transgender persons.

ONA 30th Anniversary
‘Gathered Here’

From Sanctuary to Inclusion to Justice

Timeline

1972

  • The Rev. William R. Johnson is the first openly gay minister ordained in the United Church of Christ, and UCC members found the UCC Gay Caucus (later the Open and Affirming Coalition).

1977

  • The UCC’s General Synod approves a resolution “Deploring the Violation of Civil Rights of Gay and Bisexual Persons.”

1982

  • The Rev. Anne Holmes is the first openly lesbian minister ordained in the UCC.

1984

  • Coalition leaders in Cleveland in June 1987 celebrating the UCC’s 30th anniversary. (Photo from the Congregational Library and Archives)
1984 National Gathering

1985

  • The UCC’s General Synod urges UCC congregations to “Declare Themselves Open and Affirming.” The Coalition accepts responsibility to fund, manage and grow the Open and Affirming (“ONA”) movement.

1987

  • The Coalition certifies the first 15 ONA congregations.

1989

  • General Synod adopts a strong resolution “Deploring Violence against Lesbian and Gay People.”

1993

  • General Synod calls for an end to the prohibition of military service by gay and lesbian citizens.

1999

  • General Synod approves a resolution on “Prevention of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Suicide.”

2003

  • General Synod votes for a resolution “Affirming the Participation and Ministry of Transgender People within the United Church of Christ and Supporting their Civil and Human Rights.”

2005

  • General Synod votes for a resolution “Affirming the Participation and Ministry of Transgender People within the United Church of Christ and Supporting their Civil and Human Rights.”

2011

  • General Synod affirms the adoption rights of LGBT couples and urges congregations to provide sanctuary for LGBT refugees seeking sanctuary in the U.S.

2012

  • The UCC welcomes ONA congregation #1,000. In November, Open and Affirming churches play a key role in victories for marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington state.

2013

  • The Coalition enters into Covenant relationship with both The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) and the UCC National setting. Read the TFAM Covenant here and the UCC Covenant here.

2014

  • The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns changes its name to the “Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ,” reflecting the Coalition’s continued responsibility for the churchwide ONA movement and reaffirming its goal to lead every congregation in the UCC towards an ONA covenant.

From repeal of ‘sodomy laws’ to advocacy for marriage equality: a history of faithful witness for LGBT rights

UCC Actions on LGBT Inclusion, Human Rights

Beginning in 1969, the United Church of Christ has advocated for the LGBT community. From the campaign to decriminalize same-sex relationships to support for marriage equality, the UCC has made a difference in the lives of LGBT citizens and their families. The issues have changed over the decades, but the basic commitment to full inclusion and human rights remains the same.

2015

Reaffirming Our Commitment to Full Equality for Persons of Any Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, or Gender Discrimination | 30th General Synod

2013

Resolution Against Bullying and Discrimination | 29th General Synod

Affirmation of Relationship Between the United Church of Christ and The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries | 29th General Synod

2011

Supporting International Human Rights Related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity | 28th General Synod

The Right of LGBT Parents to Adopt and Raise Children | 28th General Synod

2009

Affirming Diversity/Multi-Cultural Education in the Public Schools| 27th General Synod

2005

Equal Marriage Rights for All | 25th General Synod

2004

Call to Action and Invitation to Dialogue on Marriage | Executive Council

2003

Affirming the Participation and Ministry of Transgender People within the United Church of Christ and Supporting their Civil and Human Rights | 24th General Synod

Violence Against Transgender People | 24th General Synod

The United Church of Christ and the Boy Scouts of America | 24th General Synod

1999

Prevention of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Suicide | 22nd General Synod

Affirming and Strengthening Marriage | 22nd General Synod

1998

Passage of Hate Crimes Legislation | Executive Council

1997

Fidelity and Integrity in all Covenanted Relationships | 21st General Synod

1996

Equal Marriage Rights for Same-sex Couples | Directorate of the Office of Church in Society

Equal Marriage Rights for Same Gender Couples | Board of Directors of the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries

1993

Resolution Calling on the Church for Greater Leadership to End Discrimination against Gays and Lesbians | 19th General Synod

A Call to End the Ban against Gays and Lesbians in the Military | 19th General Synod

1991

Resolution on Virginia Privacy Laws | 18th General Synod

Resolution on Affirming Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Persons and their Ministries | 18th General Synod

1989

Resolution Deploring Violence against Lesbian and Gay People | 17th General Synod

1987

Resolution on the Right to Privacy | 16th General Synod

1985

Resolution Calling on United Church of Christ Congregations to Declare Themselves Open and Affirming | 15th General Synod

1983

Report of the Task Force for the Study of Human Sexuality | 14th General Synod

Resolution Recommending Inclusiveness on Association Church and Ministry Committees within the United Church of Christ | 14th General Synod

Resolution in Response to the Concerns of Same-gender Oriented Persons and their Families within the United Church of Christ | 14th General Synod

Resolution on the Institutionalized Homophobia within the United Church of Christ | 14th General Synod

1980

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Revision | Executive Council

1977

Recommendations in Regard to the Human Sexuality Study | 11th General Synod

Resolution Deploring the Violation of Civil Rights of Gay and Bisexual Persons | 11th General Synod

1975

Resolution on Human Sexuality and the Needs of Gay and Bisexual Persons | 10th General Synod

A Pronouncement: Civil Liberties without Discrimination Related to Affectional or Sexual Preference | 10th General Synod

1969

Resolution on Homosexuals and the Law | Council for Christian Social Action