UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST AND HOMOSEXUALITY

Statements of inclusivity;
General Synod resolutions.

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UCC Statements of inclusivity:

In 1973, The United Church Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns was formed. ₁ In 1998-NOV, Rev. Paul H. Sherry, President of the UCC, commented that the coalition "has been a prophetic presence in our church, clarifying concerns, challenging stereotypes, providing leaders for every setting of the church's life, gently and persistently changing hearts and minds, providing a refuge for those who have suffered wounds of prejudice and exclusion in church and society..." ₂

In 1975, their General Synod passed a resolution in support of full civil liberties and equal protection under the law to persons of all "affectional or sexual preferences." 

In 1977, the Church passed a resolution which "deplored the use of scripture to generate hatred, and the violation of civil rights of gay and bisexual persons and called upon individual members, local churches .... to continue to work for the enactment of civil rights legislation at the federal, state, and local levels of government."

Ordination of active homosexuals was formally accepted by the denomination in 1980. Its clergy are also free to bless same-sex unions. Local associations of UCC congregations have the authority to decide on their own ordination policies. Some associations, like Western North Carolina have gone on record as refusing to consider any homosexual candidate for the ministry, regardless of her or his qualifications.

Some congregations follow the homosexual-positive "Open and Affirming" program. In 1985, the General Synod formally urged local churches to welcome gay and lesbian members and advocate in their behalf against discrimination and persecution.

General Synod resolutions/pronouncements from 1991 to now:

The General Synod meets biannually, typically in mid-July.