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Back in July, while many of us were at the United Church of Christ’s General Synod in Kansas City, Missouri, I delivered a speech to mark an important milestone: the 40th anniversary of the Open and Affirming movement. What began as a courageous declaration of affirmation four decades ago has become one of the most transformative faith movements in the world. Today, nearly 1,950 congregations have publicly committed to affirming the dignity, worth, and belovedness of LGBTQ+ people.

Whether you are a pastor, a lay leader, a lifelong church member, or someone who supports this work from the pews or beyond, you are part of this powerful, justice-seeking movement.

As hostility rises across the country, LGBTQ+ people—especially trans and nonbinary youth—are facing unprecedented attacks. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are being dismantled. Laws restricting our rights and our bodies are spreading. Many national LGBTQ+ organizations have withdrawn from entire regions, leaving local churches and ministries to fill enormous gaps.

When someone reaches out seeking help, hope, or an affirming place to land, they are not only calling your local church— they are calling on ALL OF US, together! 

That is why, as we approach the end of the year, I invite you to support the Open and Affirming Coalition with a special year-end gift—and to prayerfully consider joining the forms of ongoing support that sustain this movement.

The mission of the Coalition is simple: to strengthen, equip, and support churches and leaders who embody God’s inclusive love.

With a small staff and a modest budget, we work every day to:

• coach congregations and conferences beginning or deepening their affirming journey
• train pastors, leaders, and teams to meet this moment with courage and clarity
• create and share resources grounded in Scripture, justice, and liberation
• stand with churches facing backlash for their public welcome
• defend LGBTQ+ inclusion across the wider church and public square

We cannot sustain this work without your partnership.
As you consider your end-of-year giving—whether as an individual or a congregation—here are three ways you can support the movement:

1. Individuals: Join the Sustaining Circle

Members of the Sustaining Circle commit to a monthly gift that provides steady, year-round support. Monthly giving helps us plan ahead, respond quickly to urgent needs, and build the long-term resilience our movement needs.  Click here to join!

2. Congregations: Become a Sustaining Church

Sustaining Churches commit to giving once or twice per year—typically in June and/or December—and some give more often as they are able. These anchor gifts allow us to continue offering coaching, training, resources, and support at low or no cost to the churches that need us most.

We also encourage your congregation to remember the Coalition in your annual budget, and to include us in your bulletin, newsletter, and website as a ministry your church supports.

Becoming a Sustaining Church is simple: fill out this brief form, and we will add your congregation to the growing list of churches committed to supporting this work. A suggested gift is at least $1 per active member a few times a year—though many congregations give more as they are able. Whatever your church can contribute makes a real and lasting difference.

If your congregation has a grant, mission, or gift program for ministries like ours, please let us know how we can apply. Every avenue of support strengthens this movement and equips us to serve more churches across the United Church of Christ.

3. Give through our 2-for-1 Matching Grant

We are excited to share that the Coalition has received a 2-for-1 matching grant: for every dollar donated, a generous supporter will give two dollars, up to a total of $10,000 raised. If our community contributes $10,000, the donor will add $20,000—providing $30,000 to strengthen this movement!

Because this is a 2-for-1 match, every gift is tripled.
A gift of $25 becomes $75.
A gift of $100 becomes $300.
A gift of $1,000 becomes $3,000.

This matching grant multiplies the impact of every contribution and directly fuels the coaching, training, resources, and support that churches across the country depend on.

Click Here to Donate to help us unlock this sustaining Grant.

Every contribution—large or small—strengthens the ministry that strengthens all of us.

Will you join us?
Will you help sustain a movement grounded in God’s radical welcome, justice, and love?

When fear rises, Open and Affirming ministries rise higher.
When marginalized people are pushed aside, we open our doors wider.
When the world tells LGBTQ+ people they are less than, we declare what God has already named them: beloved.

Thank you for your witness.
Thank you for your courage.
Thank you for your leadership, your prayers, and your generosity.

With deep gratitude and hope,

Rev. Derek A. Terry, Acting Executive Director

The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ

Feel free to share these graphics and links on your social media to help us expand our impact!

Heres the link to share about the Sustainers Circle: https://openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/264217-faithful-resistance-the-sustainers-circle

Here is the link to sign your church up to be a sustaining church: https://openandaffirming.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/open-and-affirming-coalition-sustaining-church-form

Here is the link to give to the 2 for 1 matching grant: https://openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/265515-the-beloved-fund-2-for-1matching-grant