LGBTQ Advocacy:
In 2005. the Community Church joined UCC congregations across the continent in a Covenant of Openness & Affirmation. In this decision, blessed through discernment, discussion and prayer, we committed ourselves to full inclusion and godly blessing for all human beings. In particular, we recognized the historic exclusion–from church life–of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and nonbinary friends. We joined the UCC in saying: We welcome you! We celebrate your gifts! We embrace your ministries!
The Open & Affirming Movement took shape in the 1980s, as the United Church struggled to overcome homophobia and embrace the fullness of the Gospel. In the 1970s, the denomination had been the first of its kind to ordain an openly gay man to the ministry. The O&A Movement took that commitment another step forward.
Open & Affirming Team:
Since 2005, we’ve been actively and joyfully engaged: spreading the news, inviting friends to join us, blessing same-sex marriages and celebrating the power of love!
In 2025 our witness is growing, expanding and including…
We take our message to the streets and march…with a yearly table at Portsmouth Pride and other events around the Seacoast!
And in 2024 our new Open & Affirming Team has gathered an intergenerational group of members and friends to coordinate an exciting range of programs, opportunities and community-wide events. Want to be involved? Call the church office (603-868-1230) to get connected with Team leaders and to learn about upcoming events, gatherings and celebrations. This is WHO WE ARE! And you are WELCOME!
