Open and Affirming Conference Consultant

The Rocky Mountain Conference Faith Nurturing Team has appointed Rev. Malcolm Himschoot as ONA Director beginning February 2009. In this role he is available to churches of the conference to help design Open and Affirming conversations, especially conversations prior to an ONA statement, but also in the practice of ONA over time.

“ONA” is the designation known throughout the denomination - and beyond - that stands for full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in the life and leadership of the church. The steward of the ONA list for the UCC is the national non-profit organization, The UCC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns. To be an ONA congregation, a church must have a written policy meeting Coalition guidelines, and communicate that policy to the Coalition – thereby strengthening the ONA witness of about 800 other Coalition-linked ONA congregations!
Having an ONA statement sends a message of affirming witness to youth, to visitors, to neighbors, to the public, to web surfers, to future ministers, and to prospective members – whether those prospective members are same-gender loving or whether they simply desire an ONA environment in which to raise their families.

What truly speaks to existing members of the congregation is not so much an ONA statement, however, but the process of conversation on which that statement is built. For that reason, the Coalition makes available ONA resources through volunteers in almost every Conference. Volunteer “consultants” receive ongoing training to assist lay leaders in planning a process of education and dialogue.
When love, safety, and respect for differences are not just lip-speak but are practiced in a congregation, the gospel faith can grow deeper than ever before. Whether or not a statement is written or a vote is counted, churches and members find new wholeness in undertaking discussion about sexuality. “It is an intimate and intricate thing, sexuality,” says Himschoot. “It is an example of human identity and diversity about which we must truly approach God in honesty and humility.”
The Rocky Mountain Conference adopted a resolution (in 1985) calling on congregations to consider creating their own ONA statements.

Since that time, 23 RMC congregations have become ONA, for 23 different reasons fitting their mission, identity and calling. The Metro Denver Association also passed an ONA resolution.

Your ONA Director can be reached at ona@rmcucc.org
or through voicemail at 303-984-9118.

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