On November 5, 2017, Bethany Congregational Church, United Church of Christ covenanted to live together as an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ.
Paul wrote: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)”
Because we believe all people are created in God’s image and thus blessed and loved equally by God, and because love is a unifying and strengthening force within our Christian faith, we the members of Bethany Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, expressing Jesus’ inclusive embrace of all people. We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus – those of every race, ethnicity, creed or class; every national origin, faith background, marital status and family structure, physical or intellectual ability; every sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, economic and social status, to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings and joys of our church family. As we move forward with the work of this church, we commit ourselves to making inclusivity a reality in this congregation and the world. Towards that end, we rely upon the unconditional nature of God’s love and grace to be our help and guide.