Justice and Peace

The Journey

Our church began the journey toward becoming an Open and Affirming congregation in 1988 when use of church premises was denied to a gay alliance.  Questions regarding the policy for making such a denial were raised and a study group was convened by the Church Council to consider "Homosexuality and the Church."  Eventually, an educational process began which would lead to a congregational vote on whether we would become the first Open and Affirming Church in the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC.

At the Annual Meeting in 1992, our church voted by 81 - 15 to become an Open and Affirming Congregation.  The Commitment has been the lens through which we view our ministry.

Today

Today, the church welcomes all people who seek to know God's will in community through the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Our church participates in many social justice ministries:  the Food Depot, Meals for Many, and Second Comings were all started here in our church.  In addition, the Open and Affirming Committee for Justice and Peace coordinates political advocacy at a state and national level, and engages in outreach to other churches and the wider community.  Diversity within our church is reflected in our leadership and in our church school.

The Future

The Open and Affirming Committee for Justice and Peace is prophetically engaged in the struggle to live up to the Commitment to Openness and Affirmation.  It constantly searches for new ways to help our church become inclusive.

Oct 23, 2011