National Open and Affirming Gathering brought together ONA activists from across the country. For some, it was an opportunity to learn that the United Church of Christ is not yet “100% Open and Affirming.” With 35% of our congregations certified as ONA, we have both room and moral urgency to grow. For others, National Gathering was an introduction to new voices as we began to imagine together what our movement could become over the next fifty years. We’ll continue our celebration over the remaining months of 2022, featuring the best moments at the Gathering and honoring other leaders of the first generation who shaped the largest and fastest-growing LGBTQ-affirming church movement in the world.

Below is a replay of Mike Schuenemeyer’s interview with the Rev. William R. Johnson and the Rev. Traci Blackmon’s inspiring opening devotion.