What does "affirming" mean?

In the context of our statement, "affirming" means that we value, uphold, and support each other as sisters and brothers in faith. We trust God's mercy and discernment for each of our lives and seek to encourage, rather than judge, one another's journey of faith. We desire to overcome negative stereotypes, derogatory language, and other forms of bias which deny full humanity and loving treatment to anyone. We celebrate diversity and support reconciliation.

To affirm all people means that equal opportunities are extended to all persons seeking employment, volunteering for church work, or desiring participation in other ways in the life and ministries of First Church.

As an Open and Affirming church, we will look for ways to make known in our community and denomination that we truly welcome everyone and that we are called to live in ways that make a difference in the world for justice and understanding.