More Light, Open & Affirming

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people are actively welcome at Church of the Covenant and are fully included in all roles and functions within the congregation.  We have a pioneering history of openess and support for the full inclusion of LGBT people in our congregation. We celebrate all marriages under the auspices of the UCC.  We continue to work with both of our denominations and agitate for full equality and inclusion of LGBT people.  We celebrate the recent vote by member presbyteries of the PCUSA to overturn barriers to ordination based on sexual orientation and marital status.

United Church of Christ

A Pioneering History

Church of the Covenant became a "More Light" Church in the Presbyterian church in 1980. 

In 1986, Church of the Covenant became the first Congregation in the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ to declare itself "Open and Affirming," joining only seven churches nationwide that had previously made this decision.

At its meeting on March 14, 1995, the Covenant Council voted to approve the following Policy on Same-Sex Unions:

We declare that we are called to name that these marriages/unions hold the same legitimacy and value as those weddings we traditionally have participated in throughout the history of the church, and furthermore we declare that we are called to continue this ministry to be pastorally present to and stand in solidarity with men and women who seek God's blessing and the church's embrace as they make life commitments to partners of the same sex.

In 2004, following the legalization of same gender marriages in Massachusetts, Church of the Covenant decided to celebrate all marriages under the auspices of the United Church of Christ. 

What’s Happening Now

LGBT members and friends of COTC are connected through an email list. We organize potlucks, theater outings and political action.  You are welcome here – join us!