Registration will remain at $250.
The Open and Affirming Coalition is committed to keeping this gathering affordable and accessible to as many people as possible. Registration includes four meals (one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner), and they do not profit from this event—your fee helps cover meeting and food costs only.
Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, will be our Opening Worship Preacher!
Join us for two days of celebration, learning, strategy, and community as we gather under the theme:
Sacred, Seen and Called: Living Our Truth, Embracing Our Light
Inspired by Philippians 2:15 – “...then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Don’t miss your chance to save and secure your spot!
📅 July 9–10, 2025
📍 Kansas City Downtown Marriott | Kansas City, MO
📍 Held just before the United Church of Christ General Synod
For over 50 years, the ONA Coalition has been a bold witness for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. In a time of intensifying political and spiritual threats, this gathering is more than an event—it’s a movement, a celebration, and a call to action.
Why This Gathering Matters Now More Than Ever
From anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to harmful religious rhetoric, our communities are under attack. This is why we gather—to affirm that God’s love includes ALL of us, and to strengthen our witness for justice and inclusion.
The 2025 National Gathering Will:
🔹 Affirm Our Faith – Worship that uplifts and proclaims our sacred worth
🔹 Build Resilience – Workshops and strategy sessions that equip and empower
🔹 Celebrate & Inspire – Milestones:
• 40 years since the ONA resolution
• 20 years since UCC marriage equality at Synod
• 10 years since the marriage equality Supreme Court ruling
What to Expect:
✅ Dynamic Speakers & Activist Panels
✅ Justice-Centered Worship
✅ State of the Movement Address
✅ Fellowship with ONA Leaders Across the Country
Registration: $250 – includes 4 meals
👕 Optional Gathering T-shirt: $25
🎓 Scholarships available – email Rev. Derek Terry at ona@openandaffirming.org
This is a cost-covered event. Your registration supports food and facility needs—please consider adding a donation at checkout to support attendees needing financial help.
Hotel Options:
🏨 Downtown Marriott – $195/night
🏨 Seville Plaza Hotel – $94/night (3 miles from venue, under renovation)
You’ll receive the hotel booking link after registering.
Attending General Synod? Book separately at GeneralSynod.org.
This isn’t just a conference.
It’s a declaration: We are sacred. We are seen. We are called AND we are not backing down!