As we wait for the grand jury decision in Ferguson, the Open and Affirming Coalition joins with many other voices from the United Church of Christ who are calling for justice and reconciliation in Ferguson and in all communities divided by hopelessness and racial injustice. We…
Today’s action by the Supreme Court means that same-sex marriage is now legal in five more states–Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Utah and Colorado. The decision also brings marriage equality closer in six other states–North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming. It’s likely…
The Supreme Court’s announcement today means that same-sex marriages can begin in five states: Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Utah. It also means our right to marry may soon be recognized in six other states: North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming….
National Public Radio featured the United Church of Christ and the Open and Affirming movement in its coverage of the Gay Games in Cleveland, OH. The future of American Christianity, says Open and Affirming Coalition Executive Director Andy Lang, lies in the LGBT-welcoming movement. Read…
By Anthony Moujaes UCC.org April 22, 2014 Friends and colleagues are remembering Oliver Wendel Martin III, his advocacy for people living with HIV, and the impact he left on the world. Martin worked to help those with HIV-AIDS live their lives with dignity,and a man…
UCC Coalition Executive Director Andy Lang spoke at the National Press Club Oct. 10 on the eve of National Coming Out Day and the opening of the Religious Right’s “Value Voters Summit.” The anti-LGBT lobby doesn’t speak for most American Christians, he said. More than…
Here’s a summary from the PBS website about the “To the Contrary” feature on Open and Affirming congregations in the United Church of Christ: “To the Contrary” on PBS Oct. 12 traveled to churches in Arizona, Minnesota and Washington D.C., interviewing UCC pastors and church…
Robert Emil Henry Koenig August 31, 1919-November 28, 2013 The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Koenig departed this life on Thanksgiving Day after a brief illness. He was 94. With ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (USA), Bob was…
Samuel Loliger, the Coalition’s longtime National Coordinator, died Thursday, Jan. 2, after a long illness. He was 76. Please hold Sam in your prayers as he begins his new life in the company of all the saints, and for Don Behr, Sam’s loving and devoted…
A call from the Human Rights Campaign: Let’s come together as a community to serve LGBT homeless youth on MLK Day of Service. On Monday, Jan. 20, MLK Day of Service is a “day on, not a day off.” It is a way to transform…
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