New Open & Affirming Congregations in California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania
Harbor Christian Church’s Open & Affirming Statement
As a community formed by the living presence of Jesus Christ, we embrace Christ’s teachings and regard each human being as a child of God, to be treated with respect and dignity. We welcome to this fellowship all those who seek to build, by God’s direction and grace, lives based upon personal integrity, compassion for others, and faithfulness in human relationships. The presence and spiritual gifts of each person are treasured regardless of age, marital status, physical ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, economics, politics, or cultural background. The services and ministries of this congregation are available to all. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to break down the barriers that divide us as a human family.
In May three congregations have been added to GLAD’s Open & Affirming Ministry Program.
Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach, CA, has been openly welcoming LGBT people for several years, although with leadership changes it took a little extra time and attention to contact the GLAD Alliance and put the final details on becoming part of the O&A Ministry program. This month they contacted us with all the details in place and are now proudly an Open & Affirming Ministry of the Christian Church.
The congregation at Central Woodward Christian Church in Troy, MI, has worked diligently to educate itself and commit to welcoming all. Their witness in the midst of a rather conservative area is a beacon of welcome for many.
Central Woodward Christian Church’s Open & Affirming Statement
We are an open and affirming congregation, striving to reflect God’s unconditional love for all God’s good creation. Acknowledging that Christianity has been used historically and presently to justify oppression, we covenant with God and one another to provide a loving invitation to all who seek to follow Jesus, welcoming them into the full life and service of the church. We celebrate diversities of race, ages, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical and mental abilities, family configuration, political affiliation, economic circumstance or theological perspective. We offer hospitality, healing and hope to all who have been traditionally marginalized, ignored or excluded from the body of Christ.
Community of Reconciliation Church in Pittsburg, PA, is clear about their abundant and diverse welcome. The congregation intentionally interracial, made up equally of African-Americans and European-Americans, and the church is ecumenically diverse, related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Methodist Church, and the United Church of Christ.
Adding your congregation to the Open & Affirming Ministry Program is an important witness to your neighbors that your congregation is a safe and welcoming place for everyone. The GLAD Alliance has resources to guide with grace every congregation’s journey toward wider welcome.
Perhaps your church is already welcoming LGBT people but has not yet taken the next step of becoming part of the Open & Affirming Ministry Program? (Click here to check to see if your church is listed.) Find out more about what is needed to be listed here.
Perhaps your church is learning to open its welcome and needs guidance and resources? Click here for ideas on how to use the resources that GLAD has available and click here for a list of all of our resources
And of course, don’t hesitate to send an email to Rev. Mark Johnston, Ph.D., Executive Director of GLAD’s Open & Affirming Ministry Program, at mark@gladalliance.org, for guidance and suggestions.