Open & Affirming

On April 29, 2012 the congregation voted to become an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation:


St. John United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation who welcomes and embraces every person, celebrating every person's race, age,  ationality, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, as a unique expression of God's light and love.


We acknowledge the history of the institutional church condemning and excluding gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, and in condoning such discrimination by its silence.


We commit ourselves to work diligently to end this oppression and discrimination in our time and place so that every person is embraced in God’s rainbow of love.


We celebrate every person just as God made them, and welcome everyone to join and participate fully in the mission and ministry of the congregation. 


Click here to learn more about the United Church of Christ
and the Open and Affirming Coalition.


What does it mean to be "OPEN"?

We welcome every person regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, nationality, and physical, mental and emotional ability,

All are welcomed to share their gifts and talents in leadership roles within the community, without fear of being told that there is a human-made reason to exclude.


All blessings are celebrated for their gifts, skills, passion, and talents.

What does it mean to be “AFFIRMING”?

We believe that every person is a uniquely and fearfully made child of a loving God.  

By being “affirming,” we seek to build a community where all feel the extravagant welcome no matter who they are and support their full participation in the life of the church.


All people are affirmed as for who they are.


Do we have to keep explaining “ONA"?

In an ideal world, no.

We would not need a list to tell people that God made them special, and loves them just as they are.

In our world, unfortunately, there are religious groups, people, organizations and institutions that advocate discrimination and hate, and inflict deep hurt and pain. We work hard to be a place of healing for those who have felt this hurt and pain.


All truths are honored,
with the hope of healing and love.