What we believe

Open and Affirming

HOPE United Church of Christ has been an Open

and Affirming (ONA) Congregation since HOPE UCC

first opened its doors.

To say that a setting of the UCC (a local church, campus

ministry etc.) is “Open and Affirming” means that it has

publicly declared that “lesbian, gay, bisexual” (LGB) people

(or those of all “sexual orientations”) are welcome in its full

life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment

etc.) It bespeaks a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to

live out that welcome in meaningful ways.

Transgender people or gender identity and gender

expression is increasingly included in ONA declarations,

statements or policies.