Open and Affirming Statement

Adopted by the Congregation on January 19, 1993

Amended on February 7, 1999

We, the members of First Congregational Church of Pasadena, United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be an "Open and Affirming" congregation. We recognize and affirm all people's worth, dignity, and personhood regardless of ethnic origin, nationality, reli gion, age, personal ability, gender or sexual orientation. We acknowledge widespread misunderstanding, fear and discrimination towards many groups of people.

We, as a "Just Peace Church," have pledged to work toward justice, caring, and understanding for all people in the church and society. This must include persons who are lesbian, gay and bisexual. With this declaration we join a growing number of UCC congregations who have adopted the UCC 1985 General Synod's call for local churches to be non-discriminatory in practices towards gay, lesbian and bisexual people. We accept the call, and invite full participation in our church, including celebrations of same gender unions and other significant events in the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Recognizing that there may be differences among us, we make a commitment to lovingly accept our diversity with respect, compassion and understanding.