As St. Mark begins a journey of discernment toward learning what it means to be Open & Affirming. Together, we will be learning through a series of events, discussions and activites as much as we can about the process before taking each step.

Barb has shared insightful information below as one of the many ways we plan to provide information to everyone as we work together making decisions and determining our next steps as a church family.

About being OPEN & AFFIRMING (ONA)

St. Mark UCC, Arnold, MO

5/15/16

WHAT is Open and Affirming?

Open and Affirming (ONA) is a designation for congregations in the United Church of Christ that publicly affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, welcoming them fully into the life and ministry of the church.

WHY be Open and Affirming?

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of faith often experience emotional and spiritual injury in churches that condemn their capacity to love and seek love. Because they’ve learned that “All Are Welcome” usually doesn’t apply to them, they can’t assume that any church will be safe for them and their families.

A public welcome by an Open and Affirming (ONA) church sends a clear message to LGBT seekers that they have a home in the United Church of Christ.

A congregation’s affirmation and support through an ONA covenant can be a life-changing and life-saving experience—especially for LGBT youth.

A public welcome to LGBT seekers helps churches grow. When new ONA churches attract new members, many of them are young straight couples starting new families: they identify with the values ONA represents, and want their children to learn the faith in a welcoming church.

By adopting an ONA covenant, a congregation is taking seriously St. Paul’s admonition to “accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7, NIV)

HOW will our ONA covenant make a difference?

Your ONA covenant will make a difference to LGBT adults who have personally experienced silence or condemnation in other churches.

It will make a difference to LGBT youth who are at higher risk for suicide when they experience bullying or mistreatment because of their sexual orientation or gender expression.

It will make a difference to parents of LGBT children whose families need the same affirmation & support congregations offer to other families.

It will make a difference to LGBT seniors who are often closeted, isolated or abused in retirement communities and nursing homes.

It will make a difference to all Christians who experience a deeper understanding of the Gospel and a stronger commitment to Gospel values when the congregation reaches out in love.

Additional resources: www.openandaffirming.org/ona

Barb Biedenstein (gbead@msn.com), 314-822-4875

Member, Kirkwood UCC