When

Friday, August 5, Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7, beginning at 7 pm EDT, 6  pm CDT, 5 pm MDT, 4 pm PDT, 1 pm HST. 

Why

National ONA Gathering is the biennial family reunion of the Open and Affirming movement in the United Church of Christ! This virtual Gathering is our first since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Members of any church—ONA or not-yet ONA—are invited to attend. Expect a celebration with exuberant music and inspiring preaching. 

This year is the 50th anniversary of the ONA Coalition’s founding in 1972—and the Rev. William R. Johnson’s ordination as the first openly gay man chosen for Christian ministry earlier that year. The theme, “Shaping Generations,” will celebrate our movement’s founders—among them, Bill Johnson, the Rev. Anne Holmes, Ann B. Day and Donna Enberg—and many others. We’ll celebrate contemporary ONA ministries throughout the church and say farewell to our Executive Director, the Rev. Andy Lang, who retires from his ministry as Executive Director at the end of the year. 

Do you have a question not answered on this page? Please contact Ellen Huffman at office@openandaffirming.org.

What

Theme: Shaping Generations: Queer Justice and Love in the UCC

The Service of Healing and Liberation Friday night will include a celebration of Holy Communion. If you wish to participate, please have bread and wine or juice at hand, or alternatives in case of allergies.

Where

Wherever there’s an internet connection! We’ll send connect information to registered participants before the event. 

Who

Speakers
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Pastor Rhina Ramos
The Rev. Andy Lang

Queer Clergy Panel
The Rev. Dr. Neil G. Thomas
The Rev. Phiwa Langeni
The Rev. Lesley Jones
The Rev. Darrell Goodwin
The Rev. Allison Connelly-Vetter

Planning Team
The Rev. Erin Wyma
Pastor Aaron Lauer
Pastor Mak Kneebone
Pastor Derek Terry (ONA Coalition President)
The Rev. Rebecca Voelkel
The Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer (coordinator)
The Rev. Kevin Tindell (chair)

Honored Guests
The Rev. William R. Johnson
The Rev. Anne Holmes

And the thousands of ONA activists who founded our movement in 1972 and have given themselves to LGBTQ+ ministry and advocacy in the past, and today!

Schedule

Look for updates in the coming weeks.

Registration