Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
In 1972, the United Church of Christ ordained Rev. William R. Johnson, the first openly gay minister in a historic protestant denomination. A new movement for the full inclusion of LGBT+ people in the life and ministry of the church was born. Eventually that movement became known as the Open and Affirming Coalition (OnA) and it led to many more firsts and milestones.
Open & Affirming Since 1993
In 1993, after a period of study and discernment, First Church Middletown voted to become an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. This historic vote made First Church one of the first 100 congregations to become OnA.
Since 1993, First Church has been active and proactive about welcoming LGBT+ people into the church and advocating for LGBT+ civil rights in the community.
