Open and Affirming Coalition
@onaucc.bsky.social
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.
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
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...
🎶 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
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
🎶 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
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
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
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
June 18, 2025 at 4:23 PM
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
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
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
#PurpleSunday #ONAChurch #ENDALZ
June 14, 2025 at 12:27 AM
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
#PurpleSunday #ONAChurch #ENDALZ
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
#TransVisibility #ONAChurch #FaithfulResistance
June 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
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
#TransVisibility #ONAChurch #FaithfulResistance
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
www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#GiveOUTDay #ONAChurch
June 7, 2025 at 12:08 AM
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
www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#GiveOUTDay #ONAChurch
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...
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
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...
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...
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
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...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/83144...
May 21, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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...
Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/83144...
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 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
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 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
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
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
🌟 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
🌟 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
🚨 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
🚨 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
🎉 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
Ready to start your journey? Message @revderekterry.bsky.social
#ONA1911 #CountdownTo2000 #UCC
April 15, 2025 at 7:51 PM
🎉 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
Ready to start your journey? Message @revderekterry.bsky.social
#ONA1911 #CountdownTo2000 #UCC
@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
@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
"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
"Trans lives are holy, trans people belong, and their visibility is sacred." #transgender #trans #translivesmatter #tdov #openandaffirming #lgbtq #progressivechristianity
🌈✨ 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
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
🌈✨ 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
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
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
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
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
👉 Visit derekterry.com to learn more!
#CreativeExpression #VibrantVoices #MLKJr
January 2, 2025 at 6:32 PM
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
👉 Visit derekterry.com to learn more!
#CreativeExpression #VibrantVoices #MLKJr
🎉✨ Happy New Year! ✨🎉 As we step into 2025, we embrace hope & acknowledge the challenges faced by many in our community. For over 53 years, we’ve supported churches in becoming life-saving spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. This year, we strengthen our mission to love, justice, and radical inclusion. 🌈💜
January 1, 2025 at 6:25 PM
🎉✨ Happy New Year! ✨🎉 As we step into 2025, we embrace hope & acknowledge the challenges faced by many in our community. For over 53 years, we’ve supported churches in becoming life-saving spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. This year, we strengthen our mission to love, justice, and radical inclusion. 🌈💜
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
Welcome Mattapoisett Congregational Church of Mattapoisett, MA, as ONA Church #1903! 🌈✨ They live out God’s call to joy, love, and service, welcoming ALL who seek to know God.
👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/
#ONA #WelcomeAll
Welcome Mattapoisett Congregational Church of Mattapoisett, MA, as ONA Church #1903! 🌈✨ They live out God’s call to joy, love, and service, welcoming ALL who seek to know God.
👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/
#ONA #WelcomeAll
January 1, 2025 at 12:38 AM
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
Welcome Mattapoisett Congregational Church of Mattapoisett, MA, as ONA Church #1903! 🌈✨ They live out God’s call to joy, love, and service, welcoming ALL who seek to know God.
👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/
#ONA #WelcomeAll
Welcome Mattapoisett Congregational Church of Mattapoisett, MA, as ONA Church #1903! 🌈✨ They live out God’s call to joy, love, and service, welcoming ALL who seek to know God.
👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/
#ONA #WelcomeAll
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
Welcome Bridgewater Congregational Church UCC in CT as ONA Church #1899! 🌈✨ With roots dating back to 1803, they embody love and inclusion, celebrating diversity as a beautiful puzzle where every piece matters.
👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/
#ONA #Justice100
December 31, 2024 at 3:19 PM
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉
Welcome Bridgewater Congregational Church UCC in CT as ONA Church #1899! 🌈✨ With roots dating back to 1803, they embody love and inclusion, celebrating diversity as a beautiful puzzle where every piece matters.
👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/
#ONA #Justice100
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 Welcome Nelson Congregational Church in Nelson, NH, as ONA Church #1898! 🌈✨ With 250 years of faith and justice, they boldly embrace inclusion and love. Let’s celebrate this milestone in creating a more just world! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Learn more: openandaffirming.org/justice100/ #openandaffirming
December 31, 2024 at 2:58 AM
🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 Welcome Nelson Congregational Church in Nelson, NH, as ONA Church #1898! 🌈✨ With 250 years of faith and justice, they boldly embrace inclusion and love. Let’s celebrate this milestone in creating a more just world! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Learn more: openandaffirming.org/justice100/ #openandaffirming