Open and Affirming Coalition

The United Church of Christ joins the faith community in strongly condemning the on-going actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it continues to bring death and violence to the streets of Minneapolis. The use of lethal force on unarmed and non-threatening individuals continues to result in loss of life and injury. The abduction of people on the streets of major cities, the profiling of individuals, the targeting of immigrants, and the escalation of deportations are violating the human rights of millions. Added to the increased militarization of cities, communities that house some of the most vulnerable now find themselves under siege. It is time to stop the murdering. It is time to stop the violence. It is time to return peace to our nation’s cities. Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson General Minister & President/CEO, UCC

🕯️🙏🏾 The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO issued a special statement and prayer last night, following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

👉🏾 ow.ly/xAfw50Y31Py

📢 Your voice matters! Congress is considering H.R. 7147, a bill that would fund DHS & ICE amid serious concerns over federal enforcement actions—incl. deadly shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Ask your Senators for accountability first.
✉️ act.faithinaction.org/a/tell-your-...

On this 3rd day of Christmas, I’m grateful for brave, ONA churches—communities that go beyond symbolic welcome to practice courage, care, and advocacy, especially for trans people, immigrants, and those on the margins.
– Rev. Derek A. Terry

Full post: openandaffirming.org/christmas2025/

9 days until Christmas. We share Beloved and Affirmed, our ONA Christmas card art by Rev. Derek Terry—a witness to love, vulnerability, and LGBTQ+ lives named beloved by God. 🌈✨
openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/265...

Today is #GivingTuesday! 🌈 Your gift to the Open & Affirming Coalition is TRIPLED with a 2-for-1 match.

PLUS: The first 30 people to give $250+ get a FREE COPY of The Story of Bob!

Help us reach 1/4 of our goal today! Strengthen the LGBTQ+ faith movement! give here👉 openandaffirming.org/grant2025

A bold World AIDS Day graphic with a deep red background and a faint world map behind the text. A red HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon stretches across the upper left corner. Large white lettering at the top reads “WORLD AIDS DAY – 1st December.” Centered in the image, bold uppercase text declares: “THE GOVERNMENT MAY IGNORE WORLD AIDS DAY, BUT WE WILL NOT!” At the bottom is the Open and Affirming Coalition logo: a stylized tree with multicolored leaves forming a rainbow canopy, rooted in a heart-shaped trunk, alongside the words “Open and Affirming Coalition – United Church of Christ.” The overall design conveys urgency, solidarity, and a commitment to honoring World AIDS Day despite government silence.

World AIDS Day calls us to remember, to honor, and to keep fighting stigma and neglect. Even as the U.S. stays silent, we will not. Read our full World AIDS Day reflection: openandaffirming.org/wad2025/ #WorldAIDSDay

For anyone pushed out, ignored, or unwelcome this week — hear this: God holds you close. You are fully, fiercely BELOVED. No family, no church, no politician can take that away. The Open and Affirming Coalition is with you. You matter. 🌈❤️

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for every church and every person committed to courageous affirmation. 💛🏳️‍🌈
From 11/24–11/28, new monthly gifts to our Sustainers Circle are matched up to $250!
Join us: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/264...

As hate and fear rise, ONA churches stand firm for love and justice. Join Faithful Resistance: The Sustainers Circle and help us reach $2,000/month in sustaining support. Every gift matters.
openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/264...

We’re building A.C.T OUT — Advocacy, Community & Transformation, a national ONA movement for justice and inclusion. Take 5–10 mins to share your voice! Every response helps. 👉 forms.gle/Ci4nA6kPwMGK...

LOVE these, @onaucc.bsky.social! I will be handing them out to friends when I get home! #UCCsynod #gs35 #generalsynod

“Silence is not safety, neutrality is not love, and the church must not be a bystander.” Grateful to speak these words at #UCCSynod for 40 years of Open and Affirming ministry. Watch here: vimeo.com/1101670425?s... #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #addlgbtsky #addblackgaysky @unitedchurch.bsky.social

🎶 A night of sound + soul 🎶
Rise in Resilience w/ Calvin Arsenia
🗓️ Thurs, July 10 | 7:30 PM
📍 KC Marriott Downtown
🎟️ riseinresilience.eventbrite.com

Music. Healing. HIV justice.
#RiseInResilience #ONA2025 #CalvinArsenia #FaithfulResistance #HIVAIDSMission #BlackQueerArt #SacredSeenCalled

A graphic featuring the transgender pride flag as a torn paper background with horizontal stripes of light blue, pink, and white. Centered bold black text reads: “TRANS YOUTH ARE BELOVED. TRANS YOUTH DESERVE CARE. THIS FIGHT IS NOT OVER.” At the bottom of the graphic, in smaller white text: “The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ stands with trans youth.” The Coalition’s logo is centered at the top of the image.

The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s cruel ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth.
We grieve. We rage. We resist.
Trans youth are sacred. This fight is not over.

Read our full statement:
openandaffirming.org/trans-youth-...
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #UCC #ONA #SacredResistance

We've partnered w/ the Alzheimer’s Association to launch two new resources for ONA churches: a Purple Sunday Toolkit (drive.google.com/file/d/1y0hF...) + Clergy Guide (here: drive.google.com/file/d/1i3kN...) Plan a Purple Sunday to show up for LGBTQ+ caregivers

#PurpleSunday #ONAChurch #ENDALZ

Rev. Derek Terry wrote & shared this sacred text for the National Trans Visibility March at World Pride in DC. It's a holy reminder: trans lives are sacred. Feel free to share & use it in your own spaces.

#TransVisibility #ONAChurch #FaithfulResistance

Rev. Derek Terry shares a painful moment on the eve of his birthday at World Pride. It’s a powerful reminder of why intersectional, affirming ministry matters. Watch the video and give if you can:
www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#GiveOUTDay #ONAChurch

Final 55 mins of #GiveOUTDay!
This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a declaration: LGBTQ+ people of faith deserve affirmation, safety & joy.
Every gift helps us build a Church where love leads.
www.giveoutday.org/organization...

A message from our Acting Exec. Director Rev. Derek A. Terry, filmed at WorldPride in DC. On Give OUT Day, he shares why this work matters—and why your support does too. Watch & give: www.giveoutday.org/organization...

Tomorrow is #GiveOUTDay—and we need you with us.
Early giving is open, but we’re still far from our goal.
🎯 5,000 donors. Just $10 each.
Show up with love.
Fuel this movement for justice + joy.
🌈 Donate now: www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#ONA #Pride2025

Last day to register for World Pride with the UCC! 🌈
Join us in DC June 6–8 to march, worship & volunteer at the ONA Coalition’s booth. Let’s show up for justice & joy!

Register now: ow.ly/wTJO50VU96B
#ONA #WorldPride2025 #UCCPride

Registration is still just $250 for the 2025 ONA National Gathering! Join us in Kansas City, MO July 9–10 for worship, justice, and community. Featuring Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson!
Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/83144...

Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101)
📅 May 21 | 🕖 7–8:30 PM ET | 💻 Online

A practical, powerful intro to starting—or renewing—your ONA journey.
🎙 Rev. Derek Terry & Barb Biedenstein

👉 Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/86046...

#ONAChurches #UCC #LGBTQFaith

Happy Mother’s Day from the Open and Affirming Coalition! 🌈💐 We honor all who mother—with love, strength, and sacred care. Biological, chosen, spiritual, queer—your love changes the world. #MothersDay #ONA #ChosenFamily #LGBTQFaith #UCC

🌟 Early registration for the 2025 ONA National Gathering is extended until May 15! 🌟 Join us July 9–10 in Kansas City. Spots and hotel rooms are limited—register now at OpenAndAffirming.com! #ONA2025 #SacredSeenCalled #ONAChurches

🚨 Don’t miss this! 🚨 Get 20% OFF the first 10 tickets to our webinar: Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101) 🗓️ May 21 | 7–8:30 PM ET 🎟️ Use code ONA20 🔗 openandaffirming.org/events #ONAWebinar #ONA2000 #OpenAndAffirming #LGBTQChurch

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A digital certificate with a gold ribbon and a seal featuring the Progress Pride Flag. It reads: “ONA #1911 — Open and Affirming Congregation. Middlebury Congregational Church of Middlebury, Connecticut is hereby recognized as an Open and Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Christ.” Signed by Rev. Derek A. Terry, Executive Director, and dated 2025. Logos for the United Church of Christ and the Open and Affirming Coalition appear at the bottom.

A two-part image featuring a celebratory cake. The top half shows a chocolate sheet cake with white and pink icing that reads “MCC welcomes YOU!” decorated with sprinkles and purple flower designs. The bottom half shows a slice of the cake on a paper plate, revealing vibrant rainbow-colored layers inside.

🎉 Welcome to ONA Church #1911: Middlebury Congregational in CT! This historic, vibrant church now boldly affirms LGBTQ+ people. We’re one step closer to 2,000 ONA churches! 🌈
Ready to start your journey? Message @revderekterry.bsky.social
#ONA1911 #CountdownTo2000 #UCC

@revderekterry.bsky.social is now the Acting Executive Director at the Open and Affirming Coalition. Read the full statement about the leadership transition at the coalition on FB/IG or at OpenandAffirming.com/News #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #progressivechurch #GodisLove #blackgaysky #gaysky #queer

"Trans lives are holy, trans people belong, and their visibility is sacred." #transgender #trans #translivesmatter #tdov #openandaffirming #lgbtq #progressivechristianity