UCC Actions on LGBT inclusion, human rights
From repeal of ‘sodomy laws’ to advocacy for marriage equality: a history of faithful witness for LGBT 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
- 2013: 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
- 2011: 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
- 2003: Violence Against Transgender People, 24th General Synod
- 2003: 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
- 1999: 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
- 1996: 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
- 1993: 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
- 1991: 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
- 1983: Resolution Recommending Inclusiveness on Association Church and Ministry Committees within the United Church of Christ, 14th General Synod
- 1983: Resolution in Response to the Concerns of Same-gender Oriented Persons and their Families within the United Church of Christ, 14th General Synod
- 1983: 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
- 1977: 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
- 1975: A Pronouncement: Civil Liberties without Discrimination Related to Affectional or Sexual Preference, 10th General Synod
- 1973: Human Sexuality and Ordination, Executive Council
- 1969: Resolution on Homosexuals and the Law, Council for Christian Social Action
The Open and Affirming Coalition advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the United Church of Christ and beyond, and equips UCC congregations to become effective witnesses to Christ’s extravagant welcome. Read more