More than just a welcome

Your ONA congregation can help change the world!

Being an Open and Affirming congregation isn’t just about welcoming lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seekers into a congregation. An Open and Affirming Covenant is a living commitment to speak out as a partner and ally to the concerns of LGBTQIA+ people, and enabling faith communities to put their faith into action by advocating in their wider community. This might include issues

• for LGBTQ+ youth in your community, especially in public and charter schools where they can face cyber bullying, verbal abuse, and physical assault.
• for eliminating harmful practices such as Conversion Therapy, especially for youth and young adults.
• for basic civil rights. Marriage was legalized for all people by the Supreme Court in 2015. However, we have recently seen a push to roll back that right and others.
• for LGBTQ+ seniors who aren’t safe in their nursing and retirement homes, and who need the support of a church family.
• for transgender citizens who face discrimination in employment and housing, and whose basic medical needs often aren’t covered by health insurance.
• for transgender youth whose access to gender affirming care is under attack.
• for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers who face persecution and imprisonment, or worse.
• for the millions affected by HIV worldwide who are denied the treatment and medicines they need to live.