"Open and Affirming” (ONA) is not a phrase Pilgrimage reserves for certain groups. We voted overwhelmingly to adopt this inclusive expression and members embraced it enthusiastically. Regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, economic situation, or cultural heritage, the invitation is open to everyone. Our congregation is rich in its diversity and welcomes you with an open heart and an open mind.  We strongly believe in showing God’s acceptance and love.

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Why Open & Affirming?

Guided by the love of Jesus Christ, we celebrate the diversity of God’s creation.  At Pilgrimage, we practice extravagant welcome and radical inclusion. We know that our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender family members are often scorned by the church and devalued and discriminated against both in church and in society.  We believe that such practices are incompatible with the gospel and commit ourselves to caring for and including people of all sexual orientations, genders, gender identities and expressions, relationship identities, and romantic preference identities.

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Open & Affirming Goes Beyond LBGTQ

Further, we declare ourselves to be a congregation that is open and affirming to all marginalized groups including:

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• people of every race, including bi- and multi-racial people

• people of every ethnicity and nationality

• people of any socio-economic status

• people of all ability levels

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The History Behind Being Open & Affirming

Pilgrimage United Church of Christ has been practicing our extravagant welcome through our ONA mission for over 20 years.

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Want to know more about how we show our extravagant welcome for all?

Read the full version of the Open and Affirming Covenant by clicking the link below.

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