Imagine a community in which you could be fully, wholly, authentically yourself. Imagine a group in which you didn’t need to hide a part of yourself, but you could be received and welcomed without hesitation and without judgment. Imagine a place in which this mentality was fostered, shared, and valued for your sake and for the sake of those longing for a place to belong.
Perhaps you already find yourself a part of such a community – whether that be with your family, a group of friends, a community organization, or a faith-based congregation. However, for many in our communities, these sacred spaces are difficult to find, especially for those of varying sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
In response to this, four years ago, Faith United Church of Christ became an Open and Affirming church to all people. This means our church joined 1,800 other churches in the United Church of Christ who made a public covenant of welcome into the full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. In addition, our committee included others in the human family who have been historically excluded or marginalized.
This is why our mission extends beyond welcoming the LGBTQ+ community. It includes speaking out as a partner and ally. We enable our faith community to put their faith into action by advocating in the wider community.
To this day, our mission is to welcome all God’s children. In scripture, we have read these stories over and over. In many stories, the stranger, the sick, and the outcast are welcomed. Scripture teaches us to aid the stranger, heal the sick, and care for the outcast. The lessons teach us to offer an extravagant welcome to all. Every small step toward justice and human rights brings us closer to the reign of God in which everyone is wanted, everyone is welcomed, and no one is left behind.
Our Open and Affirming committee works on projects and events that remind us that all are made in the image of God and receive the gift of God’s grace. An author, Kim O’Reilly spoke about her painful experiences as her family moved from rejection to acceptance of her. Committee members have voiced their opinions at public meetings
To recognize this year’s anniversary, Faith United Church of Christ asked The Quire of Eastern Iowa to perform at our regular service. The Quire of Eastern Iowa is an LGBTQIA+ chorus based in Iowa City. Members from The Quire will lead songs that speak of the resilience and hope of the LGBT community. The group will present excerpts from “Considering Matthew Shepard,” which remembers the death of Matthew Shepard, how it affected our country, and how we can work to build community now.
Anyone interested can contact the church for more information about Faith United Church of Christ, 563-263-5979.
