Open & Affirming Statement

All people are created in God’s image, and each child of God is unique and wonderful. We celebrate the universal truth proclaimed in Galatians 3:26, 28, “In Christ Jesus we are all children of God, through faith. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; for we are all one in Christ Jesus.”

We the congregation of Macalester Plymouth United Church declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ and a More Light congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

With God’s grace we seek to be a congregation inclusive of all persons without regard to race, sex, socio-economic status, age mental or physical ability, marital status, or sexual orientation. We welcome and honor those gifts along with the others that God provides.

We realize that these conclusions may not be universally held, and we acknowledge that we “know only in part” (I Corinthians 13:9). We respect those whose prayerful and considered understanding of scripture and tradition has led them to other conclusions, and we welcome their presence, gifts, and companionship in the journey of faith.

We pledge to work for the full inclusion of all persons of faith, believing that “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8: 38, 39). We specifically welcome and encourage people of all sexual orientations to share in community life, worship, and sacraments including ordained leadership and ministry.

Adopted unanimously by the Session December 8, 1994. The congregations adopted this statement at the annual meeting on January 22, 1995, by a vote of 127 yes, 11 no, and 1 abstention, (91.7% approval).

You can learn more about the official “Open and Affirming” designation on the UCC’s website.