First Congregational Church of Walla Walla
We are an open and affirming congregation
For 20 years our church has been officially Open and Affirming regarding the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities that our God has seen fit to endow humanity.
Our church community has been deeply enriched by the participation, testimony, and leadership of many gay, lesbian, trans, bisexual, trans, and queer people of faith. Our ministers joyfully officiate same-gender weddings.
We have hosted Pride marches, world AIDS day commemorations, and other events and groups within the LGBTQ+ community. And we seek new ways to be of service.
We know that Christianity and the church has so often been a source of profound hurt for LGBTQ+ people. There is much to grieve and to repent. As a church, we humbly wish to be a source of healing. You are beloved by God just as God has made you. You are worthy of love, respect, and dignity.
Open and affirming projects and ministries
O&A Oral History Project
In association with Whitman College students and faculty, we are creating a recorded oral history of our process to become Open and Affirming over twenty years ago. Contact us to learn more about involvement!
Open Door Vespers
Open Door Vespers is a contemporary-style worship service typically held once a month with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ identity and issues. To see when this month's service will be held, click 'Learn More'
O&A Resources
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.
Q Christian Fellowship is a diverse community with varied backgrounds, cultures, theologies and denominations, drawn together through a love of Christ and a belief that every person is a beloved child of God. They offer resource, conferences, community groups, and courses for LGBTQ+ Christians and allies.
Part of the Children's Home Association of Washington, Triple Point WW local program for LGBTQ+ youth. Triple Point is a support group for these young people, where youth can make positive connections, learn about community resources, receive the support they need, as well as participate in regular meetings with other LGBTQ+ youth and group leaders.
Transmission Ministry Collective is an online community of transgender and gender-expansive Christians committed to growing faith, supporting each other, and healing the world. They offer everything from text-based chat servers, to video-based support groups, to online Bible study, centered around affirming trans and gender-expansive Chrisitanity.
The Transgender Faith and Action Network (TFAAN) is a collective of trans people of faith who recognize the value of being connected to one another and providing mutual support. TFAAN exists not only to change policies and raise awareness, but also to provide spaces for trans folks to network and heal. They work in close collaboration with Trans Seminarian Leaders Cohort, and the Freedom Center for Social Justice.
BMGC is a trans community organization based in Walla Walla WA. They regularly come together for community action and activism and have meetings every thursday night at 7:30 - 9:00 at the Ashton Glover House.