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Together We Can Turn $1,500 into $3,000 for LGBTQ+ Affirmation.

Every gift will be matched dollar for dollar for one week only.

For my birthday this year, I’m asking for support for something that literally changed my life.

Being a Black gay man in America is a lot. It’s beautiful. It’s sacred. It’s a gift. But it can also be exhausting. There are days when it feels like you’re fighting on every front: racism, homophobia, political attacks, religious rejection, and the constant pressure to prove your humanity and worth.

There was a time when I didn’t think I could be both LGBTQ+ and Christian. I definitely didn’t think I could be a pastor.

Then I encountered something different.

The work of the Open and Affirming Coalition helped me to find a God who loves and affirms queer people. I discovered churches that didn’t just tolerate us but celebrated us. I learned that my queerness was not a mistake, that my faith and my sexual orientation were not enemies, and that God was not asking me to become someone else in order to be loved.

That realization changed everything.

Honestly, I don’t know where I would be today without organizations like the Open and Affirming Coalition. The work of affirmation helped save my life. It made it possible for me to imagine a future, a ministry, and a calling that celebrated all of my identities intersectionally. It helped me understand that I could be Black, gay, Christian, and called by God all at the same time.

Today, I have the privilege of helping lead that work.

So for my birthday, I’m trying to raise $1,500 in one week for the Open and Affirming Coalition. A generous donor has agreed to match every gift dollar for dollar up to $1,500. Together, we can raise $3,000 to help more people discover what I discovered: that they are loved by God, worthy of belonging, and not alone.

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If you’ve ever supported me, my ministry, my work, been encouraged by something I’ve shared, or simply believe LGBTQ+ people deserve places where they can thrive, I hope you’ll consider making a gift. And if you can’t give, I’d appreciate you sharing the campaign.

Thank you for helping make sure more people hear the message that changed my life: You are loved. You belong. And you are not alone.

-Rev. Derek Terry, Executive Director, Open and Affirming Coalition

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Right now, as hatred and fear rise, the Open and Affirming Coalition continues to stand firm as a beacon of faithful resistance. This year has stretched us in every way. Our small team—just one full-time and two part-time staff—has carried a bold and vital ministry: showing up at World Pride in Washington, D.C.; hosting a powerful National Gathering; celebrating 40 years of the Open and Affirming program at the General Synod; supporting churches and conferences in their ONA journeys; and responding to the growing number of communities seeking guidance, training, and resources.

While some national LGBTQ+ organizations have pulled out of entire regions, ONA churches remain—rooted in Christ’s inclusive love and steadfast in the work of justice.

To keep showing up where we’re needed most, we’re launching Faithful Resistance: The Sustainers Circle with one bold goal:

Raise $2,000/month in sustaining support.

And this is absolutely within reach:
• 20 people giving $100/month
• 40 people giving $50/month
• 100 people giving $20/month
• 400 people giving $5/month

Every monthly gift—large or small—moves us closer.

And as a thank-you, anyone who gives $20/month or more will receive a free gift after 3 months of sustaining support.

Click here to Become a Monthly Sustainer! 

Your support helps us:
• Equip churches on their ONA journey
• Strengthen our national network
• Support ministries hurt by cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion funding
• Keep ONA congregations shining as places of hope, safety, and belonging

Together, we can build a resistance that refuses hate and boldly declares that God’s love is for every body—no exceptions.

Join the Sustainers Circle today and help us reach our $2,000/month goal.

Let’s keep this movement alive and strong.

Rev. Derek Terry

Acting Executive Director
Open and Affirming Coalition
of the United Church of Christ

Click here to Become a Monthly Sustainer! 

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P.S. If a monthly gift isn’t possible right now, please know your presence and prayers still matter. You can Click Here to make a one-time donation or simply share this campaign to help us reach others who can give.