Affirm: to show or express a strong belief in or dedication to [something, such as an important idea]. From the Merriam Webster dictionary
Last summer, Second Congregational Church voted to be an Open and Affirming (ONA) church.
That means that we believe that all individuals are entitled to be treated as equals, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientations, handicap, financial strata, or anything else. We are all made by and loved by God. We are equal in God’s eyes.
One definition says that ONA is to go beyond tolerance. Not only do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ, but we welcome them and provide a safe haven for worship and fellowship.
Matthew 5:15: “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick.”
Now that we are accustomed to our ONA designation, we intend to demonstrate Christ’s love to our neighbor and make it known that we are indeed, Open and Affirming. And that “All are Welcome” is truly a statement of our faith