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The Open aNd Affirming (ONA) movement in the United Church of Christ (UCC) began, on a national level, in 1985 when the General Synod (the national delegate body of the UCC) adopted the resolution, "Calling on United Church of Christ congregations to declare themselves Open and Affirming". The central affirmation of an ONA congregation is that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people (or people of all sexual orientations) are welcome in the full life and ministry of the church.
UCC local churches become officially ONA by adopting an "Open and Affirming" statement expressing this welcome and sending this to the UCC Coalition's ONA Program. Adoption of statements is usually preceded by a period of study, prayer, reflection, and discussion on the subjects of sexual orientation/gender identity, Biblical messages about sexuality, diversity and inclusiveness in the Church, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) life and relationships, how the church might live out an ONA commitment, and related topics.
Holy Covenant has been through this process and is an Open and Affirming Congregation. Click here for more information about the The UCC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns.
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