Next Congregational discussion: Sunday, January 13, 11 am

Update: Our third Open and Affirming (ONA) congregational discussion took place on the 11th of November when we we met in the Parish Hall to hear from members of two local ONA churches: Cate Brady from First Congregational in Glen Ellyn and Gary Gephart from St. John in Arlington Heights. About thirty people were present. Cate and Gary spoke about their experiences with the ONA process and responded to questions and comments from the group. Topics covered included the genesis of the process at each church, amount of time spent on the ONA process, the activities and programs utilized by each church, and a discussion of elements deemed relevant, including sexual orientation, family, terminology, theological questions, ministry to those outside of the church, and alternative viewpoints. Both churches had lost a few members as a result of ONA, but both churches are now growing. Cate and Gary talked about their church's ONA statements, both of which included groups other than those related to sexual identity and orientation. Gay marriage was also discussed. Cate said that the ministers at her church had performed gay marriages before the church became ONA and she did not think it would be an issue for discussion now. Gary said they did not decide about gay marriage until after they became ONA and a couple asked to be married. The church treated it as they would with any new decision and referred it to the relevant ministry, in this case their spiritual life ministry. They decided that since they had become ONA, it felt right that gay marriage would be allowed.