Open and Affirming Resources

Church Media Center holdings for UCC congregations wanting to become Open and Affirming (ONA), or for those exploring human sexual identity and the church.

7 - Social/Ethical Issues

Day, Ann B., ed. And So We Speak: Experiences and Reflections of Openly Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Clergy and  Seminarians in the United Church of Christ. Holden, MA: United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns, 1998. 

1 copy 
Thirty openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual UCC clergy, in churches and other settings, and four seminarians speak about their experiences of being closeted and "out" in ministry, candidating/the search committee process, their spirituality, and more. Laypersons share perspectives on having openly gay or lesbian pastors serving their congregations. 

---. OK! We're ONA. Now What?: An ONA Idea Book. Holden, MA: United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns(UCCL/GC), 1995. 

2 copies
Suggestions about living out an Open and Affirming commitment from ONA churches across the country. Topics include: Welcome, Evangelize, Celebrate! and more. 

---. ONA: Voices of Support: Expressions of Support for the Open and Affirming Movement in the United Church of Christ. Holden, MA: United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns, 1999. 

3 copies
Diverse in age, color, sexual orientation, and geographic location, eleven lay and clergy members of the UCC express their support for the ONA movement's inclusion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in the life of the church. 

---. ONA 1999: Perspectives and Experiences of More than 100 Churches on Becoming and Being Open and Affirming Congregations in the United Church of Christ. Holden, MA: United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns, 1999. 

3 copies
Survey responses from 108 congregations about becoming ONA. Why should churches make ONA statements? How has their being ONA affected membership and finances? Do they have openly LGB staff? How are they living out their ONA commitment? --And more! Also included: reflections from lay and clergy people about why it's important to them that their church is Open and Affirming. 

Porter, Phil, ed. Open and Affirming: What Does it Mean to Us? Seventeen Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual UCC Church Members Respond. Holden, MA: United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns, 1995. 

3 copies
A response to frequent questions about the meaning of being "affirming," the resource provides opportunity for seventeen lesbian, bisexual, and gay United Church of Christ members to speak for themselves about what it means to be affirmed by local churches. 

Samples of ONA Statements 

3 copies
Open and Affirming statements from five different churches. 

Strength Training for the Body of Christ: An ONA Approach: How Becoming and Being Open and Affirming (ONA) is Shaping the Identity and Mission of Several UCC Congregations. Holden, MA: United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns, 2002. 

2 copies
Laity and pastors from ten ONA churches around the country reflect on how becoming and being ONA has helped shape the identity, life, and mission of their church. 

Vander Stoep, Ann. Why Do We Have To Do This? Thoughts on Becoming an "Open and Affirming" Church. Seattle, WA: University Congregational Church, 1990. 

3 copies
A member of one ONA church shares numerous reasons why congregations should declare themselves "ONA." 

 9 - Worship 

Alward, Robert S., et al., eds. Preach Out! Open and Affirming Sermons of the United Church of Christ. Cleveland, OH: United Church Board for Homeland Ministries, 1999. 

3 copies
A collection of nine Open and Affirming Sermons of the United Church of Christ for congregational dialogue and pastoral inspiration. Published by the United Church Board for Homeland Minitries in cooperation with The Coalition.

Bliss, William P., et al., eds. Preach Out! Open and Affirming Sermons of the United Church of Christ. Vol 2. Cleveland, OH: Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ, 2001. 

3 copies
A second collection of nine Open and Affirming Sermons of the United Church of Chirst for congregational dialogue and pastoral inspiration collected and published in cooperation with The Coalition. 

Eilts, Mitzi, et al., eds. Blessing Ceremonies: Resources for Same-Gender Services of Commitment. 2nd Rev. ed. [Holden, MA]: United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns, 2001. 

1 copy
A packet of materials including theological background, five sample services, liturgical resources, and "Personal Witnesses" by those who have been part of such services. 

Turney, Kelly, ed. Shaping Sanctuary: Proclaiming God's Grace in an Inclusive Church. Chicago: Reconciling Congregation Program, 2000. 

1 copy
A spirited, ecumenical collection of prayers, liturgies, blessings, music, essays, sermons, and more, produced by the Welcoming Church Movement (programs like "Open and Affirming" in various denominations). Includes a study guide and resource lists. 

Curriculum 

Open and Affirming (ONA) Study Packet. [Holden, MA]: Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ and United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns, 1997. 

1 copy for preview only
A seven-session study packet for use in local congregations. Prepared by the Open and Affirming Task Team of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC, and the UCC Coalition. Materials on sexual orientation, youth issues (video included), family and relationships, heterosexism/homophobia, scriptural interpretation, the ONA process in the local church, and more. Also includes bisexuality and transgender pockets. 

Osterman, Mary Jo. Claiming the Promise: An Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study Resource on Homosexuality. Leader's Guide. Chicago: Reconciling Congregation Program, 1997. 

1 copy
Examines Old and New Testament references or allusions to same-sex conduct. These biblical references are explored within the larger context of what it means to be Christians claiming God's promise that all persons are heirs of God. The leader's guide offers a two-hour teaching plan, and two forty-five minute plans for each session. Tips are offered for adapting the material for youth groups. 

---. Claiming the Promise: An Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study Resource on Homosexuality. Study Book. Chicago: Reconciling Congregation Program, 1997. 

2 copies
Do you want to know what the best biblical scholarship says about the references to homosexuality? Are you trying to help your local church or your campus ministry or your denomination move beyond debates and toward affirmation, welcome and reconciliation? Claiming the Promise examines Old and New Testament references or allusions to same-sex conduct. These biblical references are explored within the larger context of what it means to be Christians claiming God's promise that all persons are heirs of God.

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