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Our Open and Affirming Process:
South Church has probably had gay and lesbian members for decades; but as gays and lesbians became more visible in general society, they also become more visible within the church. In Summer 1999, the Diaconate (our lay spiritual leaders) and the Executive Committee of the Advisory Committee (our lay governing board) decided to begin a discussion period regarding homosexuality and the church. In the United Church Church of Christ, the process is known as "Open & Affirming" and involves study, discussion, prayer, and reflection which may lead a local congregation to adopt an official statement of welcome.
South Church meetings were held from Autumn 1999 and through Spring 2000. The well-attended gatherings studied Bible texts regarding homosexuality and heard from gays and lesbians from South Church, other churches, and the unchurched. There were also general discusions-sometimes heated--on the meaning of being "O&A" and whether a formal statement was even needed.
In May 2000, the congregation voted on a O&A statement which was approved by a sixty percent of those present. South Church thus became one of nearly 400 U.C.C. congregations to become Open & Affirming and only one of two churches of all Christian denominations in Hampden County to vote an official welcome to gay, lesbian, and bisexual people.
Three years later, we have gays and lesbians who worship with us, sing in the choir, usher, serve communion, and work on committees as equal members of the family of God. For the past several years, we have hosted the Pioneer Vally Gay Men's Chorus in concert and have had them sing in worship on the anniversary of our O&A vote. We also host the annual World AIDS Day Vigil and the local PFLAG chapter. Our members particiapte in the annual AIDS Walk. We perform sex-same marriage ceremonies.
To discuss this wedding ceremony process e-mail Rev. Peter Heinrichs, Senior Pastor.
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