Open and Affirming
Shadow Rock is an Open and Affirming congregation!
Open and Affirming is the term used for United Church of Christ churches that publicly declare 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.
The uniqueness and greatness of every life is radically affirmed.
from the Shadow Rock Covenant
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. Open and Affirming churches, 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.