Here at New Faith, we as members of the United Church of Christ (UCC), after study, prayer & discussion, have adopted an “Open and Affirming (ONA) policy.

The following are a few commonly asked questions about our OnA commitment:

1. What does “Open and Affirming (ONA) mean?

To say that we are an Open and Affirming congregation means, that we have publicly declared that “gay, lesbian, bisexual, & transgender” (GLBT) people are welcome into the full life and ministry (e.g.. membership, leadership, employment) of our church.

2. Why is “ONA” the shorthand for “Open and Affirming“?

“ONA” is the “caps” version of “O’nA” (as in salt ‘n pepper). The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) uses “O&A” to identify their welcoming congregations.

3. To whom does it matter that UCC congregations make public statements of welcome specifically to GLBT people?

Too many GLBT people and their families live with the pain of having believed that "everyone is welcome" meant them, only to discover otherwise. No one should have to guess about the "boundaries of inclusion" of a congregation or other ministry. A clear welcome matters to GLBT adults who, seeking to share their faith and gifts with the church, often wonder if they will meet with silence or condemnation if they are "out" in church.

It matters to GLBT youth who need the guidance of faith communities as they question and establish their understandings of sexuality, spirituality, and relationships, but fear the same disapproval. It matters to families, which too often hide the fact that they have GLBT children or other relatives. Fearing the indifference or rejection of their church, they are cut off from support and sharing which would enrich them and their congregation. It matters to GLBT clergy who often feel that to serve the church they must hide their true selves and lives. It matters to all Christians who believe that God’s affirmation of the gifts of loving relationships and sexuality are not restricted to those who are heterosexual, and who look to their church as witness to God’s inclusive love and help them to better understand and live it.