In a congregational meeting on Aug. 26, 2007, Bethel UCC adopted the following motion and statement.

Motion:  We move to adopt the Open and Affirming Statement by two-thirds of the votes cast by the members of Bethel United Church of Christ present at a congregational meeting on August 26, 2007.  The Statement is to be revisited no later than three years from the date of approval.  We will register and identify Bethel United Church of Christ as an Open and Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Christ.

Resolution:  We the congregation of Bethel United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be open and affirming.  With God’s grace, we are striving to be a Christian community that includes all persons, embracing differences of age, ethnicity, gender, mental and physical ability, race, sexual orientation, as well as marital or socio-economic status.  As we respond to the call of Christ, we welcome all to share in the life, fellowship, leadership, ministry, worship, rites, sacraments, and responsibilities of participation in our congregation.  We commit to the ongoing process of dialogue, education, increased awareness, and witness for justice for all of God’s children.

If adopted the “Opening and Affirming” status of our congregation would be included in brochures and literature published by Bethel United Church of Christ