In 2011, our church adopted a resolution to be an “Open and Affirming” congregation.  Here is the statement agreed upon:

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

[Galatians 3:28]

As we are one in Christ, we are called to accept and respect one another in the face of our differences. We commit ourselves to work diligently to end all oppression and discrimination which afflicts God’s people in our society. We seek to explore new ways of affirming our faith in community according to the wisdom of the Gospel. We work, as individuals, to become more Christ-like in our love for one another.

Because love is a unifying and strengthening force within our Christian faith, We, the members of the Ledyard Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, actively expressing Jesus’ inclusive embrace of all people.

We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus, including persons of every age, gender, race, national origin, faith background, marital status and family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental and physical ability, economic and social status, and educational background, to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family.

We encourage all members to participate and share talents and energy in the worship and work of the congregation. By full participation we would include as examples the following:

  • Full participation in the Rites and Sacraments of the Church;
  • Service as teachers for Christian Education classes and leaders of youth activities;
  • Participation in all committees and service in all offices;
  • Equal consideration for all employment opportunities.

Jesus teaches us to welcome all God’s children into God’s covenantal community.  As we grow together in faith and love, we will strive to celebrate the diversity in which God has created us.  As followers of Christ we seek by this affirmation to be faithful to his commandment, “love one another as I have loved you.” [John 15:1],

Approved by the Congregation at the Annual Meeting on January 30, 2011