Eureka Christian Church

An Open & Affirming Congregation

We want to express our gratitude to the congregation for your consideration throughout the discernment process about calling ourselves an open and affirming congregation. The leaders of our congregation have done their best to be fair and transparent throughout the process. We want to thank those who participated in the discussion groups and those who responded to the survey, and we owe our gratitude to the Core Team for leading us through the discernment process.

We strive to welcome all people at Eureka Christian Church. The word “welcome” means not only invited into the church family but means loved and honored. The word “all” means all regardless of race, ability, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identification, or any other way in which people identify themselves. We also acknowledge that while we are united into the one body of Christ, unity does not mean uniformity.

The recent congregational survey showed that a substantial majority of the respondents favor being an open and affirming congregation. To reiterate what is meant by “open and affirming”:

• We welcome persons of all gender expressions and sexual orientations. We commit to including persons regardless of their gender expression or sexual orientation, welcoming all as Christ welcomes us.

• We do not use these attributes as a barrier to communion, membership, service, marriage in the Church, baptism, leadership, ordination, or employment in our ministry, nor as a barrier among those served. No one must pretend to be someone they are not.

• We commit to communicating our welcome publicly.

• We commit to preaching and teaching a gospel which understands that God does not reject or condemn people solely for their gender expression or sexual orientation.

Based on the results of the survey and the comments that were submitted, the elders have recommended to the board that Eureka Christian Church should be an open and affirming congregation. The board voted on the matter and agreed with the elders’ recommendation. The decision is effective immediately.

Some members have asked what will look different because of this decision, and the answer is probably very little. Our worship bulletins and our website will include a statement that we are an open and affirming congregation, but we don’t foresee any radical changes in the day-to-day life of the congregation because of the decision.

Once again, our sincere thanks to all for your diligence throughout the discernment process.

In Christ,

Rev. Jennie Churchman, Senior Minister
 Carolyn Kroll, Board Moderator
 Ron Crawford, Elder Team Leader