The GLAD Open and Affirming (O&A) Ministries Team exists to transform every expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into a more just, welcoming, and inclusive church, one that welcomes the gifts and graces of all persons, regardless of gender or sexual identity. Sometimes people ask why a denomination like the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which places no barriers on membership other than confession of faith in Jesus, the Christ, would need a program to encourage openness and welcome to all people. Our church operates within a culture of fear. Sometimes we do not overcome this cultural context. Rather than preach the Gospel, we compromise our welcome – especially to those who differ from the culture’s dominant groups. The church struggles to live up to the Gospel's message that each and every person is a BELOVED child of God, FULLY and COMPLETELY created in God's image, with EACH and EVERY aspect of them bearing the Divine image, INCLUDING their gender and sexual identities. The O&A Ministries Team exists to remind Disciple communities that the good news of God in Christ translates to love and justice toward all people who seek God. The O&A Ministries Team identifies and celebrates Disciple communities where all persons, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals, queer persons, questioning persons, transgender persons, gender queer persons, intersex persons, and allies are welcome. |
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OPEN & AFFIRMING TEAM |