Congregational Church of Chico
United Church of Christ
Open & Affirming
Open & Affirming -- What does that mean?
If you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered person, you are welcome here. For that matter, if you are a straight person, you are welcome here.
That's the basic meaning of Open and Affirming. It means that we openly affirm that every person, regardless of his or her sexual orientation, is a beloved child of God. It means we are joyfully serious about welcoming all persons into the life of our church.
We know that the Christian church has excluded people for all sorts of reasons. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons have been especially excluded from the church. We believe Jesus taught all are welcome in the community that is trying to follow him and his teachings. We do not exclude people God wants to include.
We mean it. Our church supports marriage equality for same-gender couples. Our pastor worked to defeat Proposition 8 in 2008, and has presided at weddings for same-gender couples. GLBT persons hold leadership positions in our church. We have made our building available for local GLBT organizations. We continue to work for full equality for GLBT persons in all areas of the community.
Here's our Open and Affirming statement. It is part of our church Constitution, the official governing document of the church. The congregation, not just the pastor or other leaders, voted to approve this statement in 1995.
"Jesus said, 'This is a commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you' (John 15: 12). We know that Jesus welcomed and included those whom others rejected. This kind of love is commanded. It is not a feeling, but rather an attitude that can be cultivated and acted upon. We welcome all people into our church. The choice of who belongs to God's household is not our choosing. Jesus said in John 15:16, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you.'
In response to Christ's teaching, be it resolved that the Congregational Church of Chico welcomes and accepts people of all sexual orientations, races, genders, nationalities, economic standings, marital status, family configurations, ages, and different mental and physical abilities. We cherish all people as children of God."
What I love about this church
"This church focuses on the 'dos' of the Gospel, not the 'don'ts' of fear. This church has always espoused the love and inclusion of the Gospel message of Christ and the importance of helping others in the human community. I cannot imagine my own spiritual life or growth without this church."
Diane Lambly & Kathie Leeson