Principles for the Open and Affirming Process

Affirmed by the Church Council on March 23, 1992

In response to the Mission Statement of this process, the following principles are proposed for this process:

The Open and Affirming Process for the First Congregational Church of Pasadena will itself be open and affirming. The entire congregation will be invited to participate. In addition, the congregation will be kept informed throughout the entire process of exactly what is going on.

This is a congregational process. The depth of dialogue and discovery called for by this mission is not one founded in clerical leadership or isolated task forces. It must be one of the People of God and hence should be led by those people.

This process will be inclusive and affirming. For this process to respond fully to its mandate, persons from all perspectives, concerns and history will need to be actively recruited to participate in all functions. Because this will generate a depth of differences, there needs to be a commitment to lovely accept our diversity with respect, compassion and consideration.

This process will speak to the total person. Human sexuality is a fundamental and intrinsically integrated element of each person. Therefore, this process will need to speak to people intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. This means that a variety of forums and opportunities will need to be developed that will communicate effectively on all levels, including education, small group faith sharing, congregational forums, etc.

This process will be prophetic. We dedicate ourselves to making public our decisions. If we come to a decision through prayer and dialogue, we will not minimize our stance by leaving it unspoken outside of our meeting space.

We are committed to making this a process with an impact. This is not a study group, an intellectual exercise, or a hollow nod to a trendy topic. It is a commitment on the part of a struggling family of believers to examine issues central to our lives. If we commit ourselves to an honest process, change will be real and lasting.

This is a process committed to healing. This process may be painful for some people. As people struggle with their stories, the tales of others and serious, complicate issues of values, beliefs and emotions, we vow to respond with gentleness, mercy and compassion. We promise to be mindful of justice. We dedicate ourselves to respond with the love and tenderness that can come only through our God.