What do we mean when we say "Open & Affirming"?

Outside almost every church in the world, there's a sign that says, "All Are Welcome." Only, along the way, some of us find out that sign means you're welcome to come, but we expect you to change who God made you to love. 

By contrast, an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation in the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a church who has taken a public stand for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, nongendered, and transgender persons in the life of the church and our world. 
  • United Christian Church of Austin passed our first Open and Affirming statement back in 2007.
  • In 2013, we called our first LGBTQ pastor.
  • In 2012 we amended that statement to include all gender identities and gender expressions.
  • In 2017, our Church Council unanimously approved a measure to make our restrooms safe for transgender persons by making it clear: you use whichever restroom is right for you.
  • We have been featured on the news: locally in Austin, and as far as France for our advocacy for transgender rights. 
  • We regularly participate in Austin's Pride Parade, celebrate Pride Sunday each year, officiate LGBTQ+ weddings, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights through voting, letter writing, petitions, and rallying.
  • We incorporate a wholistic, healthy theology of sexuality in our sermons and our teachings.
What does this all mean? It means that LGBTQI persons - from children through adults - are fully integrated into the life and leadership at United Christian Church.

Open and Affirming Statement
“We, the congregation of The United Christian Church, declare ourselves to be an open and affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person created in God’s image. We welcome into full membership and participation in the Body of Christ persons of every race, ethnic background, age, gender, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, social-economic background, marital status and faith background. We welcome all to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation.”