Shadow Rock is an Open and Affirming congregation!
.The uniqueness and greatness of every life is radically affirmed.
(Statement from the Shadow Rock Covenant written in 1973)
After a year-long process of prayer, study and conversation, Shadow Rock joyfully declared itself an Open and Affirming congregation on
June 27, 1999.
.Whereas, The United Church of Christ Open and Affirming text, as enriched and supported by local churches, publicly declares a welcome and loving acceptance to people of all sexual orientations into the full life and ministry of the church including equal access to its sacraments and rites, pastoral care, worship, leadership, and employment; We, therefore, Shadow Rock Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in faith, and by the grace of God, publicly declare the same loving and welcoming acceptance into our community of faith, the diversity of all people of every age, economic condition, gender, marital status, opinion, physical and mental ability, race, religious background, and sexual orientation.
Widespread discrimination and hostility (including violence) about the place of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people in our society has occurred for many years. In the midst of this, many churches proclaim that homosexuality and bisexuality are sinful. In fact, historically, church stances have fostered much of the discrimination. However, not all churches agree. Those which believe that all sexual orientations are part of God's good gift of sexuality are identifying themselves as communities of celebration, nurturing, and justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, their families and friends. In the United Church of Christ such churches are called Open and Affirming and, together with several other welcoming denominations in North America, make up the Welcoming Churches Movement. There are over 450 Open and Affirming United Church of Christ congregations throughout the country.
