by the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel June 5, 2015 As a lesbian minister, a daughter, a partner and a mother, I have loved and been involved in the Open and Affirming movement since the early 1980’s. As a youth delegate to General Synod in Ames, Iowa,…
The Open and Affirming Coalition Tuesday joined the Collegium of the United Church of Christ in a statement opposing Indiana’s law legalizing anti-LGBT discrimination on the basis of “religious freedom.” “Public businesses should not be allowed to deny service in restaurants, evict tenants from their…
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…
Dear Open and Affirming family: Two events this morning–a tragedy and a celebration–reminded me why the Open and Affirming movement is needed in our church and in our communities. Now, more than ever before. First, we learned of Leelah Alcorn’s suicide Sunday near Cincinnati, OH….
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…
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…
The United Church of Christ played a role in the decision Friday by U.S. District Judge Robert J. Shelby overturning the Utah ban on same-sex marriage. Shelby argued that marriage equality would protect the religious freedom of churches that want to marry gay and lesbian…
Here’s the latest issue of RIPPLES—the Coalition’s e-newsletter for Open and Affirming churches: New Mexico is state #17 to adopt marriage equality United Methodist pastor Frank Schaefer defrocked for celebrating gay son’s marriage Coalition welcomes UCC Open and Affirming chuch #1,156
The United Methodist Church has dismissed the Rev. Frank Schaefer as punishment for officiating at the wedding of his gay son. The church’s Council of Bishops is also recommending disciplinary proceedings against retired Bishop Melvin Talbert, who also officiated at a same-sex wedding. The Coalition’s Leadership Team is…
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