Open and Affirming Statement

The Open House, a spiritual community founded on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, is a community characterized by openness to all people. As Jesus demonstrated a special care and concern for those who are marginalized by society and religion, so we are concerned for those who find themselves on the outside looking in.

Therefore, we seek to be a community open to all people, without regard to race, age, culture, gender, orientation, ability or economic status.

Because of a climate in our society and in many churches of hostility toward and/or exclusion of people of differing sexual orientations, we find it necessary to make a clear statement of our attitude toward gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered persons.

The Open House is open to and affirming of all people, without regard to their sexual orientation, gender, or identification. We welcome GLBT people fully into our community. We welcome them to take part in leadership roles, or to speak as representatives of our community. We affirm those who feel called into all forms of ministry. We bless all loving, committed, and honest relationships between people.

We recognize that other churches have taken a different perspective on this. There are those who see certain Biblical passages as condemning homosexuality.  We believe the Bible's overriding concern of love for all and openness to all is far more compelling than the few verses, with their difficulties of interpretation, that are used to condemn homosexuals.

 It is our hope that we can be a safe haven for all people. We will work as advocates for the GLBT community. If there are other groups that we inadvertently exclude, we pray that the Holy Spirit will open our minds, our hearts, and our community to them.