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…
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…
Will rural Washington County be the only county in Florida that will issue same-sex marriage licenses on Jan. 6? The state’s court filing later today, and a federal judge’s response, may answer that question. Read more
December 17, 2014 NATIONAL ONA GATHERING: OUR 30TH BIRTHDAY! The Coalition’s National Open and Affirming Gathering meets in Cleveland June 24 and 25—right before General Synod! Get your Synod experience off to a great start with this family reunion for our nationwide ONA community, with…
We share these resources for congregations wanting to acknowledge in prayer and action the tragic events in Ferguson, Cleveland and New York City, and what they mean to all of our communities. An “Open Letter to the United Church of Christ” from 140 UCC leaders,…
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