Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
(Passed May 2, 1993)

Whereas, the 10th through 14th General Synods have adopted resolutions encouraging the inclusion, and affirming the human rights, of lesbian, gay and bisexual people within the UCC; and calling on UCC congregations to declare themselves Open and Affirming; and

Whereas, the Apostle Paul said that, as Christians, we are many members, but we are one body in Christ (Romans 12:4), and Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) without being judgmental (Matthew 7:1-2) nor disparaging of others (Luke 18:9-14); and

Whereas, we each affirm that there is one body and one Spirit and one hope in one faith and one Creator in one Baptism, at our own baptismal service, when we, as a congregation, unconditionally accept each child as a member of the family of God… offering understanding and support as s/he explores life, loving each child as a unique manifestation of God’s majestic diversity in all things, including sexual orientation; and

Whereas, we acknowledge and celebrate the uniqueness Of every individual and the preciousness of our diverse Madison community, many members of which, because of sexual orientation, have not been welcomed by the church; and

Whereas, we recognize the struggle and the pain of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals who are searching for a spiritual home, not just a welcoming church, but a congregation that embraces and affirms each and every individual and all families as members of the family of God; and

Whereas, we know that one day it may be - or may have been already - our own sons and daughters, parents, brothers and sisters, or other family members and friends, or ourselves who will be subjected to such pain; and

Whereas, we realize that if even one child of God in our community suffers discrimination, humiliation, or rejection at the hand of the church because of sexual orientation, it is one too many, and

Whereas, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ celebrates the fact that in our own congregation gay,
lesbian and bisexual members already offer their gifts and talents enriching our ministry; and

Whereas, we know that our affirmation of these individuals is not beyond our calling - indeed, it is our calling;

Therefore, we, by congregational vote, declare Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ to be an Open Affirming Congregation and pledge the following:

• We openly welcome lesbian, gay, and bisexual people to join our Congregation, affirming the diversity of all people and all families in our thoughts, words, and actions;

• We denounce the hatred, fear, ignorance, discrimination, and persecution faced by gays, lesbians, and bisexuals every day and offer the continual love and support of our spiritual community;

• We will expand our adult education and children’s Sunday School curriculum to heighten our awareness of and celebrate God’s precious diversity among us.