Statement on Open and Affirming
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(Adopted by the Congregation of Northshore United Church of Christ, May, 2000)
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| We, the members of Northshore United Church, believe that all persons are children of God and that age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic background, physical/mental ability, socioeconomic status, and other differences that mark each of us are transparent in God’s love. As such, all are invited to participate fully in the life and ministry of our church.
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We recognize that today, as in the past, whole communities of people are made unwelcome or ostracized, or excluded from participation in church life. We interpret Christ’s teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself” to reveal God’s intent that suchexclusion is not for humankind.
We affirm that all persons have a right to testify their love for God and for each other before God, and pledge that our church home will be a haven where that testimony is recognized and cherished.
Therefore, we adopt this resolution and proclaim that Northshore United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation, which renews and strengthens its commitment to advocate justice and equality for all people in all areas of society and to resist intolerance in our midst. |
