Gay Pride Month

LGBT Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world. Bisexual activist Brenda Howard is known as the “Mother of Pride”, for her work in coordinating the first LGBT Pride march, and she also originated the idea for a week-long series of events around Pride Day which became the genesis of the annual LGBT Pride celebrations that are now held around the world every June.

On May 22, 2016, the congregation overwhelming voted to become an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. Our Welcoming Covenant reads as follows:

As a congregation within the United Church of Christ that is Open and Affirming, Hope United Church of Christ seeks to spread the message of God’s abiding love and extravagant welcome, so no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.  We commit ourselves to honor and warmly welcome EVERYONE: people of any race, ethnicity, creed, economic or social status, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, faith background, religious training and family structure; striving to create an environment of purposeful inclusion, where all can feel safe, valued, respected and nurtured.

 Simply put:  Jesus accepted and affirmed ALL people.  So do we!

Hope UCC is one of more than 1500 churches in the United Church of Christ that are designated as ONA (Open and Affirming) congregations.

Due to the COVID 19 event, Cedar Rapids Pride will not take place this year. For the past six years, Hope UCC has taken part in this event and last year we partnered with First Congregational UCC at the affair held at NewBo Market.