As an open & affirming congregation, we celebrate and affirm the full humanity, equality and dignity of all people, including LGBTQ+ individuals. In following the lead of our denomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we are striving to become a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective; and we affirm the faith, baptism, and spiritual gifts of all Christians regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, for neither is grounds for exclusion from fellowship or service within the church, for we celebrate that all are part of God’s good creation.

How is being open & affirming different from simply saying “All are welcome?”