OPEN AND AFFIRMING

The Wheat Ridge Congregation of the United Church of Christ is a loving fellowship committed to following the Word of God through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

We are an Open and Affirming Congregation as defined by national policies of the United Church of Christ. Here is the resolution that we adopted:

WHEREAS, a large majority of Christian churches today continue to condemn, exclude, or devalue gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons, whether in terms of stated teachings and policies, or simply by remaining silent on this vital issue;

AND, WHEREAS, The Open and Affirming Resolution, adopted at the United Church of Christ General Synod in 1985, calls on all of our churches to “publicly welcome gay, lesbian, and bisexual people into the full life and ministry of the church, to affirm the personhood of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, to recognize the fear and discrimination directed against them, and to advocate for justice in church and society on behalf of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people”;

AND, WHEREAS, we believe it inappropriate to allow a literalistic or legalistic interpretation of a small number of scriptural verses to overrule the great themes of the Bible, such as the justice, mercy, and grace of God, the redeeming love of Jesus Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the church’s inclusiveness of all persons of sincere faith who desire to follow Christ;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, on this 6th day of June, 2004, by the Wheat Ridge Congregation of the United Church of Christ:

• That we declare ourselves an Open and Affirming congregation, in accord with the General Synod’s Open and Affirming Resolution as cited above;
• That by the word “affirming,” we signify our support and celebration of all human relationships based on commitment, loyalty, love, and mutual respect;
• That we welcome into full church membership, including all its rights and privileges, all who wish to join us, regardless of race, language, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, or economic or marital status.