The document discusses the Open and Affirming (O&A) Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which works to make communities of faith welcoming to all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The O&A Ministry identifies churches that publicly declare this inclusiveness and provides resources to help other churches engage in the process of becoming Open and Affirming. It encourages an expanded vision of ministry that considers issues of justice and inclusiveness arising from the Gospel's message of loving neighbors. Churches or individuals who want to partner with the O&A Ministry or engage in the process of becoming Open and Affirming themselves are invited to contact the ministry leaders.

1. Aren’t we already Open & Affirming?
Sometimes people ask why a The church struggles to live up to the O&A Ministry identifies and
denomination like the Christian Church gospel message that God’s love and justice are celebrates communities of faith where all
(Disciples of Christ), which places no barriers offered to each and all. O&A Ministry exists to persons, including the gay, lesbian, bisexual,
on membership other than confession of faith remind Disciples communities that the good transgender, questioning and intersex
in Christ, would need a program to encourage news of God in Christ translates to love and community are welcome.
openness and welcome to all people. justice toward all people who seek God. O&A Ministry supports and connect
Our church operates within a culture O&A Ministry encourages an expanded Disciples that take on such a public witness to
of fear. Sometimes we do not overcome this vision of ministry by the Christian Church the Gospel.
cultural context. Rather than preach the Gospel, (Disciples of Christ) by helping the church If you believe your or your faith
we compromise our welcome – especially to consider issues of justice and inclusiveness community would benefit by partnership with
those who differ from the culture’s dominant arising from the Gospel imperative to love our O&A Ministry, we encourage you to contact us
group. neighbors as ourselves. for more information.
excerpts from O&A mission statements
Contact us for resources
Social Ministry involves us in the prophetic call for peace with justice, providing for the poor and homeless, • Bibliography - annotated for study and
promoting wise stewardship of all creation, and affirming children and families. Personal outreach actively extends an further reflection
invitation to all people to full membership and/or to participate to the fullest in the life of the church without regard
to race, sex, disabilitie or sexual orientation. • Listening to the Spirit - A book and video
First Christian Church on the Disciples process of discerning God’s
Tuscon, Ariz. call to the community of faith
We seek to overcome all barriers used by people attempting to separate God’s children from one
another and from God. • Claiming the Promise - An ecumenical
Southside Christian Church Bible study curriculum on homosexuality
South Bend, Indiana
We struggle to be and become beloved community: a hospitable place for marginalized and
and the church designed for adults and
mainstream alike. We declare outselves a spritual sanctuary from the fear, rejection, hate, and violence of a world that youth; other study guides also are available
judges and condemns people for being who they are • Partners List - A list of O&A ministries
CoLumbia United Christian Church
Columbia, Md. and their mission statements
We pledge ourselves to be open and affirming of all people whatever their gender, race, aga, • Workshops/Consultations - Contact us
culture, ehtnic background, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, family configuration, or difference in ability.
for more details
All who affirm the love of Christ in their lives are welcome into the community and to share fully in its life and
ministry. • Internet Explorations - A guide to Web-
Park Avenue Christian Church based resources
New York City

2. an invitation Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
O
a community
&
on the Journey
A
toward becoming
open & Affirming
makes a covenant
ministry team Join the journey
Open & Affirming Ministry Team of the toward becoming
Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disciples (GLAD) Alliance,
is a mission to the Christian Church (Disciples of a publicly
• To engage in a process of study, Christ) that works closely with other welcoming
discussion and prayer leading to an movements within the Church. Our ministry is made Open & Affirming
possibly through GLAD Alliance members and friends,
intentional and public inclusion of the
and through O&A congregations and ministries. We congregation
full diversity of humanity – including welcome and celebrate your support.
persons in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, or ministry
transgender, questioning and intersex
community – in its life and leadership
• To write an Open & Affirming mission
statement and register it with the O&A
Ministries Team
• To include persons in the gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, questioning and
Open
intersex community fully within the
life and ministry of the community
open_affirming@gladalliance.org
• To support the Open & Affirming
&
Ministry Team of the GLAD Alliance
Affirming
through gifts of visibility, prayer, O&A Ministry Team
participation, and – as possible – Christy Newton & Rachel Frey
financial resources Co-Leaders
c/o GLAD Alliance
P. O. Box 44400
Indianapolis, IN 46244 ministries
of the Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disciples Alliance