(The term ONA refers to the United Church of Christ's Open And Affirming Church, a church who welcomes and affirms gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons in full participation in the church.)

(The following paragraphs are part of an article published in its entirety with many excellent related articles in "Strength Training for the Body of Christ- An ONA Approach" A publication of the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns)

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Somewhere in the ONA resource materials, it is suggested that a classic sign of a church's responding to the Holy Spirit "is welcoming and making room for the stranger, the other, the unlooked-for, and unwanted." We have striven to be that kind of community. In practice, our church has gained a reputation as an inclusive community. What we had not recognized, however, is the need to be explicit when that welcome extends to homosexuals. That the Church traditionally has been in the forefront, attacking and condemning gay and lesbian folk was vividly underscored on September 12, 2001 when Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson laid the blame for the September 11th terrorist attacks at the feet of the homosexuals and others. Whether fighting equal rights, protesting gay funerals, or declaring AIDS to be "God's vengeance against homosexuals," the Church has not been a safe or welcoming place for lesbian and gay people. So part of our answer to the question about what kind of church to be was- a different kind!

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This article is just one chapter from a wonderful book, "Strength Training for the Body of Christ- An ONA Approach."Click here to go to the order form for the book at the UCC Coalition site.