Open & Affirming Statement

In April of 2000, the UPA adopted the following 'Open & Affirming and Reconciling' statement:

"Recognizing that the church historically has not always welcomed all persons, we affirm the God-given worth and dignity of every individual as our sister or brother, and we welcome all persons, including those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered to the full life and ministry of the United Parish of Auburndale. We celebrate all relationships founded on the principles of God's love, compassion and faithfulness and embrace the responsibility to work against all forms of discrimination."

History

In 1999 a Lenten study group discussing homosexuality and the church was led by the pastors of the congregation. At the conclusion of the guided study, a committee was formed to continue the discussion with the purpose of education and understanding and ultimately voting to become open and affirming - meaning that we would specifically, openly and enthusiastically welcome the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to the full life of our parish. The congregation voted in April 2000 and we became an Open & Affirming and Reconciling congregation and a new journey began.

Since that time in support of our commitment, a rainbow flag hangs outside our church, we have enthusiastically marched in the Boston Pride Parade every year, we have hosted the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, established a relationship with the Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project and fervently and successfully worked for the adoption of Equal Marriage legislation in Massachusetts.

In February 2006, the UPA received an Outstanding Congregation Award from the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry. In September 2007 we received a Reconciling Angels Award from Cambridge Welcoming Ministries.

At the recommendation of the Open & Affirming and Reconciling Committee the Board of Outreach has made contributions to GLAD, Waltham House (a home associated with the New England Home for Little Wanderers which supports GLBTQ teens), The Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry, Cambridge Welcoming Ministries, UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns, UMC Reconciling Ministries Network, Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project and Boston Gay Men’s Chorus.

Our commitment to education within our congregation and community continues with guest speakers at Sunday morning Forums and our committee continues to meet monthly. Please join us!