OPEN AND AFFIRMING

United Church of Christ, Eastern Ventura County, California
Adopted January 18, 1998.

• We welcome people without regard to doctrinal beliefs, race, nationality, ability, economic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender orientation.

• We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation in response to the call of the 1985 United Church of Christ General Synod.

• We are committed to Jesus' ministry of compassion and inclusiveness.

• We affirm basic human rights, and encourage involvement on behalf of those whose rights are threatened.

• We believe that sexuality is a gift of God, a mystery that we do not fully understand, to be used responsibly in relationships according to the principles of love and justice.

• We have discovered within our faith community a diversity of sexual orientation that has enriched our common life and feel called by God to make a commitment because of the relationships we have already been given.

• We support singleness and a variety of family lifestyles based on committed relationships.

• We celebrate rituals and ceremonies that honor these relationships.

• We pledge in our church life to be a model of justice in hiring and selection of leadership.

• We stand for equal opportunities in all areas of life, including employment, health care and housing.

• We intend to continue to work for justice, healing and wholeness for all people.

• We pray that an attitude of forgiveness, patience, understanding, and spiritual guidance may characterize our common life as we seek justice.

• We hope for continued growth, insight, and learning as we face the future together.
  

Return to home page