First Congregational Church (Solidarity Stole)
Stole Text
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
United Church of Christ
Indianapolis, Indiana
Truly ONA
It wasn’t until 2004 that FCC Indy became truly ONA, even though the ONA statement had been passed in 1994, ten years ago. We were in “ONA limbo.”
I’m sure there are other churches like ours – intellectually tolerant of diversity, but resistant to advocacy for gay and lesbian people. A marker of a technically-but-not-truly ONA church is an ONA church with few openly gay or lesbian members. Have you heard these confusing, diffusing, and alienating statements? “Open and affirming means welcoming all people – it’s not just about gay people. How about racism, poverty, and mental illness?” Or, “Aren’t we supposed to be welcoming to conservative people, too?”
Controversy about celebrating our 10th anniversary of our ONA statement was the background for a reconciling dialogue. The Shower of Stoles surrounded our celebration, and each stole was a witness to the visible and invisible gifts of LGBT believers.
We are now a truly ONA church.
United Church of Christ
Indianapolis, Indiana
Truly ONA
It wasn’t until 2004 that FCC Indy became truly ONA, even though the ONA statement had been passed in 1994, ten years ago. We were in “ONA limbo.”
I’m sure there are other churches like ours – intellectually tolerant of diversity, but resistant to advocacy for gay and lesbian people. A marker of a technically-but-not-truly ONA church is an ONA church with few openly gay or lesbian members. Have you heard these confusing, diffusing, and alienating statements? “Open and affirming means welcoming all people – it’s not just about gay people. How about racism, poverty, and mental illness?” Or, “Aren’t we supposed to be welcoming to conservative people, too?”
Controversy about celebrating our 10th anniversary of our ONA statement was the background for a reconciling dialogue. The Shower of Stoles surrounded our celebration, and each stole was a witness to the visible and invisible gifts of LGBT believers.
We are now a truly ONA church.
Contribution Story
Archival Record
Stole Number: 1075
Honoree(s): First Congregational Church (Solidarity Stole)
Donor(s):
Geography: Indianapolis, Indiana (USA)
Faith Tradition: United Church of Christ
Donation Date:
Citation
“First Congregational Church (Solidarity Stole),” LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed April 24, 2024, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/items/show/1076.