| We recognize that the
institutional church has often judged persons based upon their
sexual orientation, and has excluded these persons from the
community of faith. The church has often been silent
concerning societal injustice.
Therefore, we covenant to welcome and affirm
every person, without regard to sexual orientation, into the
full life, rites, and ministry of our church. We commit ourselves
to act for justice and inclusiveness.
Together, God at our center, we
covenant to be an Open and Affirming church community.
We pray, as those who follow Christ,
for the capacity to envision life as it could be and, with the
help of God, to unite ourselves across our differences and to
treat all with respect, dignity, love, compassion and justice.
Originally approved by
congregational vote on March 14, 1999. A January 13, 2008
congregational vote approved the present language with the
understanding that "rites" include marriage rites. |
 |
