News

Dear Friend,

This week, many of us are observing Kwanzaa—a time rooted in reflection, shared values, and collective responsibility. As that observance unfolds, three of Kwanzaa’s principles feel especially meaningful for the life of the Open and Affirming Coalition right now: Umoja (unity), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), and Nia (purpose).

The Open and Affirming Coalition was founded in 1972 out of unity and purpose. People came together across difference, geography, and theology because they believed LGBTQ+ people were worthy of dignity, safety, and full inclusion in the life of the church. That collective commitment has grown into a movement of nearly 1,950 Open and Affirming churches—each one having written, adopted, and lived into a public covenant of welcome and affirmation.

That did not happen by accident. It happened because people chose to stay connected, to work together, and to remain rooted in a shared purpose even when affirmation was costly.

Umoja (unity) reminds us that movements are sustained not by perfection, but by commitment—by choosing one another again and again, especially when the work is difficult or uncomfortable.

Ujamaa (cooperative economics) names a truth we live every day. Less than four percent of the Coalition’s funding comes from the United Church of Christ denomination, and even that support is not part of a regular, ongoing budget allotment. While we are grateful for a regular grant from a foundation, sponsorships, and occasional support from other organizations, the vast majority of this ministry is sustained by churches and individual supporters who believe this work matters.

At the same time, over 75 percent of Open and Affirming churches have never made a financial contribution to the Coalition. That reality places real limits on what we are able to do—how many churches we can support, how quickly we can respond in moments of crisis, and whether we can hire the staff needed to meet growing demand. It also affects our ability to show up for smaller congregations with fewer resources and for communities where affirmation carries real risk.

Nia (purpose) reminds us why the Open and Affirming Coalition has existed for 53 years. From the beginning, this work has never been symbolic. It has always been about survival, dignity, and truth. In every generation, LGBTQ+ people—especially trans and gender-expansive people—have faced political, legal, and cultural efforts to erase, silence, or end their lives. Open and Affirming churches exist because silence costs lives. They are places of refuge when the world turns hostile, places of clarity when lies are preached as faith, places of courage when standing up carries risk, and places where life-saving affirmation is proclaimed without apology.

This work continues only if our community commits to sustaining it.

Now through December 31, we need to raise $10,000 to unlock a $20,000 matching grant for The Beloved Fund—tripling the impact of every gift. In this moment, each contribution has an outsized effect, strengthening the education, advocacy, and direct support that Open and Affirming churches depend on as they face increasing pressure and risk. These funds allow us to train pastors and lay leaders, accompany congregations navigating fear and conflict, respond quickly when LGBTQ+ people are under attack, and remain present in communities where affirmation is not symbolic, but life-saving and costly.

You can check our progress and give here:
https://openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/265515-the-beloved-fund-2-for-1matching-grant

Umoja (unity) built this movement by bringing people together across difference. Ujamaa (cooperative economics) sustains it through shared commitment and shared resources. And Nia (purpose) calls us forward—grounding our work in faith and guiding us toward the future we are still building together.

Thank you for being part of a community that understands that affirmation is not optional—it is holy, necessary, and worth investing in, especially now.

With gratitude and resolve,

Rev. Derek Terry
Acting Executive Director
Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ

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