By vote of the Congregation and under the guidance of the Board of Deacons, First Church has recognized its "Open and Affirming" status by adopting the following statement:
"... we invite and welcome all people to join us in the journey of faith, covenanting together to be responsible to God and responsive to one another. As a community of God's people, we acknowledge our shortcomings and insensitivities as we endeavor to reach out to all who wish to join us in our pilgrimage, companioning and strengthening each other as we seek God's continuing revelation of truth and light."
In February, 1997, First Congregational Church of Guilford, CT, held its regular Annual Meeting. On the agenda, in addition to the normal business of electing committee members and approving the annual budget, was the adoption of the "Open and Affirming Statement." The statement asserts that our church "is made up of and welcomes people of any race, gender, age, nationality, economic circumstances, marital status, physical or mental ability, emotional condition, or sexual orientation."
The statement had been developed by an ad hoc study group with the guidance and approval of our Board of Deacons. After two years of earnest study, self examination, and debate among the entire church community, we adopted the statement by a generous majority.
This small Web site is offered so that the public may understand the Open and Affirming Statement. In addition to the Statement, we offer some of the supporting arguments that were given.