11.03.08
Open and Affirming Vote Passes
At a duly called Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 2, 2008 the congregation voted in favor of becoming an Open and Affirming Church. Our open and affirming statement is
The First Congregational Church in Bristol sits as a historic witness in our community. That witness embodies our welcome to those who come in search of God’s presence in their lives
We are a faith community of diverse people whose common ministry is to rejoice in God’s love, as well as to heal the brokenness with each other and with God. Responding to that call, we welcome all persons of every age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital standing, physical and mental ability, economic status and family structure into the life, membership, leadership and ministry of this church.
We affirm each person as a child of God, worthy of God’s love and our love, and covenant to support one another in our joys, sorrows and spiritual growth. With this historic witness, we invite all people over the threshold of Christ’s open door to engage with us in the work of this church in the world.
