Our Open & Affirming Statement

We, the Church of Christ Congregational (UCC)

of Norfolk, Connecticut seek to keep Christ in the center of our lives, and we strive to provide

an extravagant welcome to all persons. 

Therefore, we declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming church.  We embrace the diversity in our community, and we affirm the dignity and worth of every person created in the image of God.  We welcome into full membership and participation in the Body of Christ persons of every race, age,  gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, economic or marital status, and faith background.  We understand that oppression and discrimination of any kind is incompatible with Christ’s Gospel of unconditional love. Through our diversity,

we seek to grow in a unity of faith.

- Adopted June 24, 2007 -

Civil Union Policy Approved

On Sunday October 2, 2005, at a special church meeting, all members present had an opportunity to vote on a proposal from the Diaconate concerning a policy for civil union ceremonies.  The policy was approved with a vote of 65 for, 15 against, and one abstained.  The policy reads,

"The minister shall have the authority to perform or decline, based on his/her discernment of the situation, a wedding or civil union ceremony or similar cermony of blessing between two persons of the same or different sex on or off church premises."