Kirkland Congregational Church

This church recognizes the Bible as the sufficient rule of faith and practice, and holds that living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ is the true test of fellowship. Each member shall have the undisturbed right to follow the Word of God according to the dictates of that member's own conscience, under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

"We are uniting in striving to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in our purpose to walk in the ways of the Lord, made known or to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the Church of Christ to proclaim the gospel to all people, exalting the worship of the one true God and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of human fellowship. Depending as did our parents, upon the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth, we work and pray for the transformation of the world into the Kingdom of God; and we look with faith for the triumph of righteousness and the life everlasting."

On October 28, 2001, the members of Kirkland Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, voted to declare ourselves as an Open and Affirming church. This action was taken following a study and education process that covered almost three years from the time the Board of Directors voted to enter the process until the congregational vote on October 28, 2001. The Task Force wishes the thank all of the members and friends of the congregation that participated in the listening process and the educational events. Now it is our responsibility to live out our Covenant of Openness and Affirmation.
Kirkland Congregational Church, United church of Christ

We, the members of Kirkland Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, believe that all persons are children of God and that age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic background, physical/mental ability, socioeconomic status, and other differences that mark each of us are transparent in God's love. As a church community, we celebrate and find strength in diversity and view it as a way to understand the inclusiveness of God.

We believe that, although we are many members, we are one body in Christ (Romans 12:4). As a part of that body of Christ, we are called to love one another, to do justice, to bring release to the oppressed, and to walk humbly with our God. Responding to that call, a goal of our ministry is to heal the brokenness we experience in ourselves and in our relationships with each other and with God.

We believe that we are made in God's image and that we are called to accept our sexuality and ourselves. Our sexuality is a gift of God, which enriches our lives and deeply touches the reality of our own and others' humanity; it is one of the channels through which we experience life.

As a congregation and as individuals, we lift up the following as evidence of our openness and affirmation:

1. We affirm that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) persons are indeed created in the image of God, deserving of mutual love and respect. Our continued prayer is that some day intolerance, ignorance, bigotry and violence against all of God's children are eradicated from the very places where compassion and peace should reign. Until that day, we stand in one voice, one spirit and one hope for the full fellowship in church and society of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and heterosexual persons, encouraging them to share their talents, gifts and energy in the liturgy, life, employment, and leadership of the congregation.
2. We affirm relationships, both human and divine, regarding them with honor and respect. We affirm that all persons have a right to testify their love for God and for each other before God, and pledge that our church home will be a haven where that testimony is recognized and cherished. We bless all loving covenantal relationships and affirm and impart our blessings on all families without judgment.
3. We condemn all acts of discrimination, intolerance, and violence (physical, emotional, economic, or legal) against persons because of their sexual orientation, just as we condemn such acts against people because of race, age, gender, religion, ethnic background, or physical/mental disabilities or limitations. We pledge to support efforts designed to assure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons enjoy the same rights and privileges as heterosexual persons.

Therefore, we, the Kirkland Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming Church.

Bylaws. Last revision: January 2012