A special Congregational Meeting of Parkrose Community United Church of Christ was held today for the purpose of voting as to whether or not the church should declare itself to be Open and Affirming. Parkrose is where I serve as the interim minister.
87% of the membership present voted in favor of the following statement:
In Galatians 3.28 we are reminded that despite our differences we are all "one in Christ Jesus." Therefore, we, the people of Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be open and affirming. With God's grace, we seek to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic, religious, political or social-economic background. We welcome all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation. This is God's church and no matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
The vote occurred twenty-two years after the General Synod of the United Church of Christ declared the national settings of our denomination be to Open and Affirming and invited local congregations to do the same. Parkrose Community UCC was established in 1913. This was truly an historical day for our congregation as we seek to faithfully live out God's will. The congregation invites your prayers as we seek to live out this new mission for our church.
More information is available on the church's website.
