OPEN & AFFIRMING


No Matter Where you are in Life's Journey, You are Welcome Here

Welcome to the Atkinson Congregational Church, a United Church of Christ community of faith that celebrates the diversity of God's creation and welcomes all people to worship, serve, and grow in their spiritual journey.

 

In 2022, we made an Open & Affirming (ONA) convenant to affirm that every person is created in the image of God and is loved unconditionally by God. We believe that God's love is not limited by gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, ability, economic status, or any other human condition.

Atkinson Congregational Church's Open & Affirming Statement


Jesus didn't turn anyone away, and neither do we.

 

As an Open & Affirming church, Atkinson Congregational Church, the Light on the Hill, makes a public covenant to celebrate and welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. We uphold the dignity and worth of each person and of families in all their diverse forms. All are welcome to participate in the full life and ministry of our congregation and to worship alongside us as we grow together in faith. 

As an Open and Affirming congregation, we celebrate the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) persons in the life and ministry of our church. We welcome all individuals and families, including those who have experienced exclusion, discrimination, or hurt from other religious communities.

 

We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where all people can fully participate in the life of our church. We provide opportunities for worship, fellowship, education, service, and advocacy that honor the diversity of our community and promote equality.

 

We affirm the United Church of Christ's statement that "God is still speaking" and that our faith is constantly evolving and growing. We encourage open dialogue and respectful conversation on matters of faith and social issues. We seek to learn from one another and from the world around us, recognizing that diversity enriches our understanding of God and ourselves.

 

We invite you to join us on this journey of faith and love. Whatever your background, beliefs, or questions, you are welcome here. We invite you to share your gifts, your joys, your struggles, and your hopes with us. We believe that together, we can make a difference in our world and in our lives.