Open and Affirming
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Open and Affirming statement made by the New Ark United Church of Christ to all of God’s people
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he writes, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God,” (Romans 15:7) To exclude persons from the church and society because of sexual orientation or on any other basis withers away the Body of Christ.
When one part of the body suffers, all others suffer with it (I Corinthians 12:26). We vow to do all within our power to promote justice and healing through our commitment to being an Open and Affirming congregation. As people of faith and followers of the Word, therefore, we invite all God’s children to the table of God’s abundant blessing.
We welcome into our community persons of every gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ability, age, race, nationality, economic and social status, faith background, religious training, marital standing, and family structure. We welcome any person who joins us through the same affirmations of faith and encourage them to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings, and joys of our church family.
In return, we offer our love and support, no matter where people are on their faith and life journey.
Open and affirming statement revised and reaffirmed on May 1, 2011
