OPEN AND AFFIRMING STATEMENT OF HAMPTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, United Church of Christ
And Jesus answered, “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” —Mark 12: 29-31
We, the congregants of the Hampton Congregational Church, have come together to worship God since 1723. We understand that we are all God’s children, and, as such, are called to be in community. Recognizing insensitivities and prejudices that segments of our society experience, we want it known that we extend welcome to all.
As an open and affirming church:
- We believe that as members of the community of faith we are called to love one another and ourselves as whole persons. We seek to relate to one another with love, trust and in ways that are mutually accountable and nurturing. Our covenant commitment challenges us to welcome all people into the life of our faith community.
- We respect the worth and dignity of all persons who come to our church family regardless of race, age, marital standing, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, mental or physical abilities, gender identity and expression, nationality or religious tradition.
- We celebrate and honor human relationships based on love, respect and responsibility toward one another, and healthy relationships based on trust and fidelity.
- We promise to support one another in our personal struggles to understand and accept differences in one another and pray that God will strengthen our love and acceptance of all.
Hampton UCC 