Open and Affirming Churches

Open and Affirming Churches in Illinois South Conference

“Open and Affirming” (ONA) is a movement of more than 1,500 churches and other ministries in the United Church of Christ that welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) members. More than 350,000 members of the UCC belong to ONA churches—and our movement is growing rapidly.

After a time of study, dialogue and prayer, churches adopt an Open and Affirming “covenant” committing their members to welcome LGBTQ seekers, support their relationships, and advocate for their basic rights. All sacraments and rites of an ONA congregation are available to LGBTQ people, including baptism, confirmation, communion, and marriage. ONA churches take seriously the Bible’s admonition to “accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Romans 15:7, NIV)

If you’re looking for a church family, Illinois South Conference churches are listed below. The links will take you to their contact information. If your congregation is curious about ONA, visit the Why and How pages on the United Church of Christ website for more information. If your church wants to explore new ways of living into your ONA covenant and building relationships with the LGBTQ community, visit here.