THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NEW FAIRFIELD, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST is an “Open And Affirming” congregation
Becoming an “Open and Affirming” congregation of the United Church of Christ is a public affirmation of the welcome this church has always had for all people. “Open and Affirming” is a specific designation that congregations in the United Church of Christ can claim after going through a process of discernment. As our United Church of Christ Statement of Faith states, we welcome people of all ages, tongues and races. “Open and Affirming,” makes it clear that we are a community of faith that values all people and we do not discriminate due to a person’s sexual orientation or sexual identity. On June 7, 2015 the congregation voted overwhelming to claim this designation. We celebrate this affirmation of our identity as a congregation that extends an extravagant welcome to ALL people. The covenant below is the document that was voted on and identifies us as an “Open & Affirming” Congregation.
Open and Affirming Covenant
We, the Congregational Church of New Fairfield, United Church of Christ, believe that “no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” We welcome people of all ages, races, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, socio-economic status, family structures, and faith backgrounds.
We are a congregation that invites everyone to journey together in faith, as one body in Christ. We strive to do our best to share the love that Christ has shown to us by celebrating the diversity of God’s whole community.
As an Open & Affirming church we encourage all to participate and share their talents and energy in the life of the church, including leadership, sacraments, worship, ministry, fellowship, responsibilities, blessings and joy of this congregation.