GLSEN (Gay and Lesbian Student Education Network) conducts this survey every two years to understand the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth in our nation’s schools. GLSEN is a national organization devoted to fighting anti-LGBTQ bias against students and teachers in K-12…
The Open and Affirming Coalition Tuesday joined the Collegium of the United Church of Christ in a statement opposing Indiana’s law legalizing anti-LGBT discrimination on the basis of “religious freedom.” “Public businesses should not be allowed to deny service in restaurants, evict tenants from their…
Mark April 24-26 on your calendars: that’s the “National Weekend of Prayer for the Freedom to Marry.” On April 28, the Supreme Court will hear arguments on challenges to laws banning marriage equality in several states. “Let’s send up prayers throughout the church that the…
The Open and Affirming Coalition has joined the UCC General Synod and other faith partners in an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold marriage equality as a basic constitutional right. “Open and Affirming churches have been in the forefront of state campaigns to accord…
CLEVELAND, March 15, 2015–The Coalition’s Leadership Team has declared support for Bishop Yvette Flunder, pastor of City of Refuge UCC in Oakland, CA, and presiding bishop of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. A group of clergy has challenged Bishop Flunder’s invitation as a guest lecturer…
Read this important guide from the Human Rights Campaign on more than 30 bills across the country that under the guise of “religious freedom” will allow private business owners and landlords to disregard laws protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination. While marriage equality is likely to…
A Building Inclusive Church workshop–cosponsored by Equality Pennsylvania and the National LGBTQ Task Force–is coming to a city near you! February 20-21 King of Prussia (Southeast PA) March 6-7 Harrisburg (Central PA) May 1-2 Pittsburgh (Western PA) May 15-16 Kingston (Northeast PA) Building an Inclusive…
Open and Affirming Coalition Executive Director Andy Lang at Friday’s vigil for Leelah Alcorn in Cleveland: “It’s critical for Christians and Jews and Muslims and other people of faith who know that the transgender community are made in the image and likeness of God not…
Dear Open and Affirming family: Two events this morning–a tragedy and a celebration–reminded me why the Open and Affirming movement is needed in our church and in our communities. Now, more than ever before. First, we learned of Leelah Alcorn’s suicide Sunday near Cincinnati, OH….
This is why we’re doing this work: so transgender teens like Leelah Alcorn, who committed suicide in Ohio Sunday, will know they are loved and accepted–and that religion will help and not hurt them. Please read Leelah’s farewell note. It will break your heart, but…
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