Open and Affirming

Our Covenant

St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ is an inclusive community rooted in God’s incredible love. As an Open and Affirming Church, we strive to embrace and seek to preserve the beautiful diversity of God’s creation.

We are a Christian community of faith who welcomes all people, embracing the diversities of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnic background, immigration status, refugee status, socio-economic status, age, physical or mental ability, addiction/recovery challenges, family structure, relationship status, political affiliation, soul injury, faith backgrounds, doubters, questioners, and welcoming anyone who has been excluded in the past. All are invited to participate fully in the life of the church—in worship, celebrating the sacraments, in fellowship, ministering as lay and ordained persons, in leadership positions and in mission.

We recognize that the Christian Church has historically excluded those who have not fit its preconceived ideas of who is acceptable to God. We acknowledge our silence has contributed to pain and exclusion. We repent and seek to live out God’s love, justice and compassion as Jesus taught.

” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

We covenant to be a place of inclusion and affirmation that is safe for all people and to meet you where you are on life’s journey to share God’s love with you. We offer ourselves and our resources to ensure inclusion and justice for all people and offer a place for healing, understanding, hope and love to be manifested. Honoring the diversity of God’ s children, we make this commitment with the help and grace of God