First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro

Because we believe that all people are created in God’s image and thus are blessed and loved equally by God, and because love is a unifying and strengthening force within our Christian faith,

            We, the members of the First Congregational Church of West Brattleboro, United Church of Christ, hereby declare ourselves an Open and Affirming Christian community, actively expressing Jesus’ inclusive embrace of all people.

            We welcome all who seek to follow Jesus and to be doers of his word and not hearers only.  This welcome extends to persons of all age, gender, race, national origin, faith background, marital status and family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, mental and physical ability, economic and social status, and educational background, to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, blessings, challenges, and joys of our church family.

            Jesus teaches us to welcome all God’s children into God’s covenantal community.  As we grow together in faith and love, we will strive to celebrate the diversity in which God has created us.

Resolved September 15, 2013. 

Ballot vote results:   Yes, 50            No, 0.