We grieve for the passing of Eleonore Powell, one of the Coalition’s founders. With her death, and Bob Strommen’s a week earlier, we stand in honor for the passing of a generation of proud parents who changed our church. We join the Rev. Loey…
By a vote of 567 to 41 (with 15 abstentions), the 30th General Synod of the United Church of Christ voted June 30 to adopt the Coalition’s proposed resolution reaffirming protection for LGBTQ Americans and opposing laws that would allow private business owners and public…
The following is the report by Andy Lang, executive director of the Open and Affirming Coalition, at the Open and Affirming Banquet June 26, 2015, at the 30th General Synod of the United Church of Christ. June 26, 2015, is a date you won’t soon…
The Supreme Court ruled this morning that state bans against marriage equality are unconstitutional. After lower courts move to enforce this ruling, the right to marry–our long-sought dream–will be the law of the land. I know your hearts are full this moment. For more than…
The Rev. Bob Strommen, a strong supporter of the movement for LGBT liberation in the United Church of Christ and beyond, passed from this life on Friday, June 19. We join with his wife, Joyce, and their family in grief for Bob’s passing and gratitude…
“Religious Exemption” laws—an attempt to give private business owners and public officials a legal basis for discrimination—is the latest threat to LGBT civil rights, says Andy Lang, executive director of the UCC’s Open and Affirming Coalition. The Coalition is asking General Synod to approve a resolution…
RIPPLES June 12, 2015 Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ Are you ready for marriage equality? The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on marriage equality. If the decision overturns the remaining state laws banning same-sex marriage, UCC clergy and…
If you’re attending National ONA Gathering or General Synod, or both, you’re invited to the Coalition’s Open and Affirming Cruise at 9 p.m. Sunday, June 28! View America’s famous North Coast at night and relax with UCC friends old and new! Your host is the…
by the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel June 5, 2015 As a lesbian minister, a daughter, a partner and a mother, I have loved and been involved in the Open and Affirming movement since the early 1980’s. As a youth delegate to General Synod in Ames, Iowa,…
Rainbow Family Camp August 7-9, 2015 DuBois, IL Rainbow Camp is all about being family together, any way you define it. LGBTQ kids can have a safe and respectful place to be themselves. LGBTQ parents can enjoy time with their kids, while meeting other families…
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