We are an Open and Affirming Church

What Does “Open and Affirming” Mean?”

An “Open and Affirming'' church is one that has publicly declared that members of the LGBTQ+ community are welcome in its full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment, etc.) When we say “no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here” we really mean it. 

Middleton Community UCC became an Open and Affirming Church on January 27, 2008, following a process of discussion, study, and discernment. On that date, MCC voted unanimously to approve the Open and Affirming Statement.

Read Open and Affirming Statement [PDF]

Bodies in the United Church of Christ have been making such statements for more than thirty years. They have addressed, among other issues: support for LGBTQ+ civil rights, elimination of institutionalized homophobia within the UCC, HIV/AIDS education and care as it affects LGBT persons, and affirmation of the gifts and ministries of LGBTQ+ clergy and church members.