​Open and affirming
Open and Affirming (ONA) is the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) designation for congregations, campus ministries, and other bodies in the UCC which make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

What Can I expect at and ONA Church?
A community of faith where you and your family are safe! Because each congregation in the United Church of Christ is independent, and therefore free to make its own decisions, there is a broad diversity of theology and practice in our tradition. In the UCC, there is no hierarchy that can impose uniformity on our churches. Each ONA congregation has independently adopted an Open and Affirming covenant after a journey of dialogue, study, and prayer. Here at First Congregational in Dubuque we offer:
  • ​A safe space for open and honest conversation about human sexuality and gender identity.
  • Encourages LGBTQ members to serve in lay and ordained leadership. Celebrates same-sex weddings.
  • Celebrates the anniversaries of LGBTQ married and partnered couples and offers rites to honor gender transitions.
  • Advocates for LGBTQ civil rights, and defends their LGBTQ neighbors when their dignity or safety are threatened.
  • Willing to host meetings of support groups like PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
  • Advertises that it is a safe space for LGBTQ and questioning youth.
  • Participates as a group in the local DBQ Pride Festival.