Click here to Sign up to be one of the Justice 100 or to make a donation to the campaign!
The Justice 100 Campaign is rallying the family and friends of the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition, indeed the whole church to join this cause, strengthen our efforts, and engage the resources needed to achieve our vision of a just and inclusive church and world for all. The Campaign is looking for at least 100 people or churches/organizations who will each recruit 10 people to give at least $100 in new funds to the Coalition by the end of 2024. This will raise a minimum of $100,000 in new funds for the Coalition, empowering our mission, increasing our impact, and strengthening our capacity for affirming dignity, creating inclusion, and building justice.
Since its inception in 1972, the Coalition has been a guiding light within the UCC, illuminating the path that affirms dignity, creates Inclusion, and builds justice for LGBTQ+ and same-gender-loving people in our churches and communities. From advocating for civil rights to championing marriage equality, the Coalition has stirred our collective conscience. By boldly claiming our rightful place in full life and ministry of the church, by accompanying churches in, and resourcing the Open and Affirming process, by working collaboratively at the intersections of oppression and injustice, and by leading the charge for openness, affirmation, and justice for everyone, the Coalition has transformed our beloved church and the communities we serve.
The Justice 100 Team is comprised of people, churches, and organizations dedicated to the open and affirming justice mission of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ who each commit to raising $1,000 (give or get) in new funds for the Coalition.
Working for a just future:
The landscape for LGBTQ+ rights has grown increasingly complex. Trans youth face targeted legislation, healthcare access is under threat, and the fight for full inclusion continues.
In the face of such adversity, the Open and Affirming Coalition remains a beacon of hope.
Imagining a world where:
A young person feels safe exploring their identity in the loving embrace of their church.
A same-gender couple can exchange vows with the full support of their faith community. This vision goes beyond marriage itself – it’s about a church that celebrates their love from the very beginning, offering a safe space to be open about their relationship, to share their journey, and to find unwavering support in their walk with God.
LGBTQ+ voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered to lead.
This is the world the Open and Affirming Coalition fights for!
The Justice 100 Team fosters relationships and resources that will empower the ONA Coalition to:
- Expand the Open and Affirming Movement: We’ll continue to guide and accompany more churches through the process of becoming inclusive, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
- Strengthen Our Network: We’ll continue to support existing Open and Affirming churches in renewing or updating their covenants, ensuring a continuous commitment to extravagant welcome, dignity, and inclusion.
- Build Bridges for Change: We’ll continue to work with our denomination, ecumenical partners, and local churches to create coalitions and partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, fostering unity for the multiple fronts for justice and advocacy work.
- Empower Advocates: We’ll continue to develop resources, training programs, and best practices to equip churches and develop leaders to champion LGBTQ+ rights, safety, and inclusion beyond their walls.
- Create a Circle of Support: We’ll continue to provide support networks and resources for LGBTQ+ people within and outside the church, as well as for LGBTQ+ clergy (and other leaders) navigating their leadership roles.
- Foster Safe and Affirming Spaces: We’ll continue to work with churches and other organizations in their ongoing work to create environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can feel welcomed, protected, celebrated, and fully affirmed in their identities.
We’ve achieved incredible milestones:
- Advocated for LGBTQ+ civil rights within the United Church of Christ.
- Advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in society, including the right to privacy.
- Championed marriage equality within the church.
- Supported and advocated for seminarians and others called to ordained and authorized ministers.
- Claimed seats at the table, literally the Coalition has 4 delegates representing LGBTQ+ concerns at the General Synod (all-church decision-making body) of the United Church of Christ.
- Fueled the Open and Affirming movement, creating welcoming spaces for all.
- Shepherded more than 1,870 churches through their Open and Affirming Covenant process.
- Working to secure same-gender partner and gender-affirming healthcare benefits for church employees.
Be part of it. Join the Justice 100 today.
We are asking 100 of our key partners to rally their friends, family, and networks to support The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ’s work through our Justice 100 Campaign. By becoming one of the Justice 100 you will help us to strengthen our organization and network of church to resist the ever increasing social and political hate towards the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.
Starting a fundraiser is easy to do, and it’s fun. We’ll even give you all the tools you’ll need to make a difference. With your help we can push our movement forward and create a world where love truly knows no bounds and LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive, not only within church walls, but also in their communities
Yes, we can!! Strategies for raising $1,000+ for the ONA Coalition:
- 10 family members and friends give at least $100.
- Invite your church to host a fundraising event, such as dinner, talent show, or such event.
- Host a Coalition event at a local restaurant or other business that will give a portion of their sales during a designated period to benefit the Coalition.
- Participate in or organize a pledge event, like a walk-a-thon, dance-a-thon, or other activity in which family, friends, and community members can participate and invite sponsorships.
- Be creative, adapt from the 100’s of the fun ideas from online nonprofit sites, like those at
150 Best Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits—The Ultimate List
Click here to Sign up to be one of the Justice 100 or to make a donation to the campaign!
For more information/questions please contact our Program Director, Rev. Derek Terry at ONA@openandaffirming.org
