Open and Affirming Coalition
LightNews LightNews
banner
onaucc.bsky.social
Open and Affirming Coalition
@onaucc.bsky.social
610 followers 35 following 50 posts
Founded in 1972, The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ works for the full inclusion and affirmation of all in Christ's church--especially LGBTQIA+ people.
Posts Replies Media Videos
onaucc.bsky.social
We’re building A.C.T OUT — Advocacy, Community & Transformation, a national ONA movement for justice and inclusion. Take 5–10 mins to share your voice! Every response helps. 👉 forms.gle/Ci4nA6kPwMGK...
November 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition
velociheather.bsky.social
LOVE these, @onaucc.bsky.social! I will be handing them out to friends when I get home! #UCCsynod #gs35 #generalsynod
July 13, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition
revderekterry.bsky.social
“Silence is not safety, neutrality is not love, and the church must not be a bystander.” Grateful to speak these words at #UCCSynod for 40 years of Open and Affirming ministry. Watch here: vimeo.com/1101670425?s... #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #addlgbtsky #addblackgaysky @unitedchurch.bsky.social
July 17, 2025 at 2:31 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
🎶 A night of sound + soul 🎶
Rise in Resilience w/ Calvin Arsenia
🗓️ Thurs, July 10 | 7:30 PM
📍 KC Marriott Downtown
🎟️ riseinresilience.eventbrite.com

Music. Healing. HIV justice.
#RiseInResilience #ONA2025 #CalvinArsenia #FaithfulResistance #HIVAIDSMission #BlackQueerArt #SacredSeenCalled
July 1, 2025 at 2:11 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s cruel ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth.
We grieve. We rage. We resist.
Trans youth are sacred. This fight is not over.

Read our full statement:
openandaffirming.org/trans-youth-...
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #UCC #ONA #SacredResistance
A graphic featuring the transgender pride flag as a torn paper background with horizontal stripes of light blue, pink, and white. Centered bold black text reads: “TRANS YOUTH ARE BELOVED. TRANS YOUTH DESERVE CARE. THIS FIGHT IS NOT OVER.” At the bottom of the graphic, in smaller white text: “The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ stands with trans youth.” The Coalition’s logo is centered at the top of the image.
June 18, 2025 at 4:23 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
We've partnered w/ the Alzheimer’s Association to launch two new resources for ONA churches: a Purple Sunday Toolkit (drive.google.com/file/d/1y0hF...) + Clergy Guide (here: drive.google.com/file/d/1i3kN...) Plan a Purple Sunday to show up for LGBTQ+ caregivers

#PurpleSunday #ONAChurch #ENDALZ
June 14, 2025 at 12:27 AM
onaucc.bsky.social
Rev. Derek Terry wrote & shared this sacred text for the National Trans Visibility March at World Pride in DC. It's a holy reminder: trans lives are sacred. Feel free to share & use it in your own spaces.

#TransVisibility #ONAChurch #FaithfulResistance
June 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Rev. Derek Terry shares a painful moment on the eve of his birthday at World Pride. It’s a powerful reminder of why intersectional, affirming ministry matters. Watch the video and give if you can:
www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#GiveOUTDay #ONAChurch
June 7, 2025 at 12:08 AM
onaucc.bsky.social
Final 55 mins of #GiveOUTDay!
This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a declaration: LGBTQ+ people of faith deserve affirmation, safety & joy.
Every gift helps us build a Church where love leads.
www.giveoutday.org/organization...
June 6, 2025 at 3:05 AM
onaucc.bsky.social
A message from our Acting Exec. Director Rev. Derek A. Terry, filmed at WorldPride in DC. On Give OUT Day, he shares why this work matters—and why your support does too. Watch & give: www.giveoutday.org/organization...
June 5, 2025 at 7:19 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Tomorrow is #GiveOUTDay—and we need you with us.
Early giving is open, but we’re still far from our goal.
🎯 5,000 donors. Just $10 each.
Show up with love.
Fuel this movement for justice + joy.
🌈 Donate now: www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#ONA #Pride2025
June 4, 2025 at 12:27 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Last day to register for World Pride with the UCC! 🌈
Join us in DC June 6–8 to march, worship & volunteer at the ONA Coalition’s booth. Let’s show up for justice & joy!

Register now: ow.ly/wTJO50VU96B
#ONA #WorldPride2025 #UCCPride
May 23, 2025 at 3:17 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Registration is still just $250 for the 2025 ONA National Gathering! Join us in Kansas City, MO July 9–10 for worship, justice, and community. Featuring Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson!
Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/83144...
May 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101)
📅 May 21 | 🕖 7–8:30 PM ET | 💻 Online

A practical, powerful intro to starting—or renewing—your ONA journey.
🎙 Rev. Derek Terry & Barb Biedenstein

👉 Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/86046...

#ONAChurches #UCC #LGBTQFaith
May 20, 2025 at 11:09 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Happy Mother’s Day from the Open and Affirming Coalition! 🌈💐 We honor all who mother—with love, strength, and sacred care. Biological, chosen, spiritual, queer—your love changes the world. #MothersDay #ONA #ChosenFamily #LGBTQFaith #UCC
May 11, 2025 at 12:07 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
🌟 Early registration for the 2025 ONA National Gathering is extended until May 15! 🌟 Join us July 9–10 in Kansas City. Spots and hotel rooms are limited—register now at OpenAndAffirming.com! #ONA2025 #SacredSeenCalled #ONAChurches
April 28, 2025 at 11:26 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
🚨 Don’t miss this! 🚨 Get 20% OFF the first 10 tickets to our webinar: Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101) 🗓️ May 21 | 7–8:30 PM ET 🎟️ Use code ONA20 🔗 openandaffirming.org/events #ONAWebinar #ONA2000 #OpenAndAffirming #LGBTQChurch
April 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition
welcome-to-united.bsky.social
If you’re interested in ministry, but do not desire an MDiv, United’s MA in Ministry (MAM) offers focused academic and practical ministry training that gives you foundational knowledge and skills at a fraction of the time and cost.

🎓 See if the MAM is right for you below!
Masters of Arts in Ministry Degree | Minnesota
The Master of Arts in Ministry degree is a focused academic and practical ministry training program, designed for flexibility and efficiency.
buff.ly
April 15, 2025 at 7:02 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
🎉 Welcome to ONA Church #1911: Middlebury Congregational in CT! This historic, vibrant church now boldly affirms LGBTQ+ people. We’re one step closer to 2,000 ONA churches! 🌈
Ready to start your journey? Message @revderekterry.bsky.social
#ONA1911 #CountdownTo2000 #UCC
A digital certificate with a gold ribbon and a seal featuring the Progress Pride Flag. It reads: “ONA #1911 — Open and Affirming Congregation. Middlebury Congregational Church of Middlebury, Connecticut is hereby recognized as an Open and Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Christ.” Signed by Rev. Derek A. Terry, Executive Director, and dated 2025. Logos for the United Church of Christ and the Open and Affirming Coalition appear at the bottom. A two-part image featuring a celebratory cake. The top half shows a chocolate sheet cake with white and pink icing that reads “MCC welcomes YOU!” decorated with sprinkles and purple flower designs. The bottom half shows a slice of the cake on a paper plate, revealing vibrant rainbow-colored layers inside.
April 15, 2025 at 7:51 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
@revderekterry.bsky.social is now the Acting Executive Director at the Open and Affirming Coalition. Read the full statement about the leadership transition at the coalition on FB/IG or at OpenandAffirming.com/News #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #progressivechurch #GodisLove #blackgaysky #gaysky #queer
April 1, 2025 at 11:56 AM
onaucc.bsky.social
"Trans lives are holy, trans people belong, and their visibility is sacred." #transgender #trans #translivesmatter #tdov #openandaffirming #lgbtq #progressivechristianity
April 1, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition
unitedchurch.bsky.social
Trans Day of Visibility is March 31st.

Is your church doing anything to affirm trans & non-binary siblings?

👇🏾 Resources:
-Love is Louder: www.ucc.org/loveislouder/
-ONA, @onaucc.bsky.social: openandaffirming.org/resources/
-Speak up with @justiceucc.bsky.social: www.votervoice.net/JAWM/Campaig...
March 20, 2025 at 3:17 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
🌈✨ Welcome ONA Church #1908! ✨🌈

We celebrate The Reformed Church of Highland Park, NJ, affirming that all people—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—are valued and loved.

🌟 Who’s next? #CountdownTo2000

📩 Start your journey: ONA@openandaffirming.org

#OpenAndAffirming
March 20, 2025 at 3:36 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Altadena Community Church, UCC, has tragically lost its building to the Eaton wildfire. For over 80 years, this #OpenAndAffirming church has been a beacon of justice and love. Support recovery efforts through the UCC: support.ucc.org/california-w... #WildfireRelief #UCC
January 10, 2025 at 11:55 PM
onaucc.bsky.social
Art connects us, nurtures our spirit, and helps us engage with history. Tools like Vibrant Voices: Coloring the Stories of Black Visionaries and MLK Jr. Paint-at-Home Kits inspire learning, self-care, and hope.
👉 Visit derekterry.com to learn more!
#CreativeExpression #VibrantVoices #MLKJr
January 2, 2025 at 6:32 PM