Check On Us: Why ONA Churches Must Be Brave Now More Than Ever
The past weeks have been heavy. The assassination of Charlie Kirk — a man whose career was built in part on demonizing LGBTQ+…
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A Juneteenth–Pride Month Statement from the Open and Affirming Coalition
Today, we commemorate Juneteenth—the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told they were free, more than…
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Christian Nationalism: A Threat to Democracy and True Religious Freedom
In recent years, Christian nationalism has become one of the most dangerous forces shaping American politics, law, and culture. It is a movement…
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We Do Not Worship the Same God: The Church, Justice, and the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday
Throughout American history, Christianity has been wielded both as a weapon of oppression and as a force of liberation. Nowhere is this contradiction…
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From Ashes to Affirmation: What Ash Wednesday Teaches Us About LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. As ashes are placed on our foreheads, we are reminded:…
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Graphics | News | Transgender
Black Joy as Resistance: A Lesson for All
“Come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed.” – Lucille Clifton As a Black Queer person,…
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Justice for Sam Nordquist: The Devastating Consequences of Erasing Trans Lives
We are outraged. The brutal murder of Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old transgender man, is not an isolated incident. It is a direct consequence…
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The U.S. Government’s Harmful PrEP Policy Change and Its Impact on LGBTQ+ Communities
The recent decision by the Trump administration to restrict access to life-saving PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication for LGBTQ+ people, sex workers, and other…
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The NFL’s Decision to Remove ‘End Racism’ Sends a Dangerous Message
In a move that speaks volumes without saying a word, the NFL has decided to remove the phrase “End Racism” from the end…
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It’s Not About Bathrooms: Why ONA Churches Must Be Bold Advocates
When a church adopts an ONA covenant, it’s more than a statement—it’s a promise to affirm, celebrate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ people in all their identities. It’s a call to be a brave space where people are not just safe but empowered to live fully and authentically.
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.
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.
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