Open and Affirming

Because we at CCSM believe inclusion is a key Christian virtue, our congregation voted to become Open and Affirming, passing the following resolution:

"We, the members of the Congregational Church of San Mateo, declare ourselves to be an "Open and Affirming" (ONA) congregation of the United Church of Christ."

According to this declaration we welcome all people without regard to sexual orientation; race; nationality; ethnicity; age; marital status; gender; economic status; or mental, emotional, or physical challenge. We invite all who seek God's guidance to join our open and affirming faith community and to share fully in our church's life and opportunities for ministry.

This declaration is a covenant we make with one another in response to Jesus' call to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. With this covenant:

• We intend to grow in faith, hope and love as we journey together;
• We appreciate and affirm all people as loved children of God;
• We recognize the diversity of human nature as part of God's universal plan;
• We affirm relationships, unions and families founded on mutual love and commitment;
• We commit to work for human rights, justice and equality in our church and community.