Open, Affirming, and Reconciling Statement

Adopted 13 January 2002

"We, the members of the Niantic Community Church, are called to love one another as God loves us, freely and unconditionally.

"We further believe that diversity enriches our faith community.

"Therefore, we welcome persons of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and physical or mental ability into full membership and participation in the body of Christ. We celebrate family in all its diverse forms and honor, support and bless all loving and committed relationships.

"As we are one in Christ, we are called to accept and respect one another in the face of our differences. We agree that continued dialogue is necessary as we each grow in learning and understanding. We commit ourselves to work diligently to end all oppression and discrimination which afflicts God’s people in our society. We seek to explore new ways of affirming our faith in community according to the wisdom of the Gospel. We work, as individuals, to become more Christ-like in our love for one another.

"We come from different perspectives and experiences and pray for courage, blessing, and God’s unifying love as we respond to God’s call. We invite all who seek God’s guidance to join our open, affirming, and reconciling faith community and share fully in our church’s life and opportunities for ministry."

Niantic Community Church's Open, Affirming, and Reconciling Ministry (OAR)

The OAR Committee work diligently and joyfully to oppose all discrimination, no matter what form it takes, that afflicts, separates or treats unjustly any member of our society.

• We actively support persons of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and physical or mental ability.
• We ensure that our worship services respect differences, use inclusive language, and speak to all of God's children.
• We strive to be visible in our openness in the community and the world around us.
• We pursue justice and uphold civil rights.
• We are intentional in our purpose to not be a one-issue church and to be welcoming to all who feel left out in our society.
• We offer panels, lectures, forums, classes and Bible studies.
• We share the journey and seek to support other faith communities who are seeking to be open as we are.
• We pray, study and actively engage in and celebrate diversity.
• We constantly explore new ways of affirming our faith in a community of love according to the wisdom of the Gospel.