In 1972 the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and St Andrew United Church of Christ merged into one congregation known today as United Christian Church of Renton. At the time of the merger there was a discussion of who would be welcome. That discussion of welcome, included: the Gay and Lesbian community along with multi-cultural, and multi- racial to name a few topics that were discussed. A statement was written as the article II of our By-Laws that read:

       We declare our purpose to be that of bringing to bear on the lives of all individuals everywhere, in every way possible, the good news of the love of God in Christ Jesus, so that all people, both members of this congregation and neighbors far and near, may be enabled to know and experience for themselves the abundant life in Christ.

       Over the past thirty years discussion has continued in one form or other at what this statement meant for us as a congregation and who it included. We have pride and purpose in the diversity of our congregation.

       As a new search for a pastor took place over four years ago, a survey of the congregation was taken on where the church needed to go. A substantial number of the membership indicated that going through the process and becoming an Open and Affirming church was something we needed to do as a congregation.

       The new pastor, Rev. Ken Colman, began his ministry in December 1999 and discussions bagan within the Elders of the possibility of our church hosting a commitment service for someone in the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual and Transgender community. The Elders said that they would support their pastor and that it was time our congregation looked at moving to declare ourselves as an Open and Affirming congregation.

       During the summer and fall of 2000 the Elders created a statement that would follow the first paragraph of article II of the By-Laws. The statement is as follows:

        As a community formed by the living presence of Jesus Christ, we embrace Christ's teachings and regard each human being as a sacred child of God, to be treated with respect and dignity.  We welcome to this fellowship all those who seek to build, by God's direction and grace, lives based upon personal integrity, compassion for others, and faithfulness in human relationships.   The presence and spiritual gifts of each person are treasured regardless of age, marital status, physical ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, economics, politics, or cultural background.  The services and ministries of this congregation are available to all.  Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to break down the barriers that divide us as a human family and to bring healing to all of God's creation.

       The Elders recommended this Statement to the Church Council. After discussion there was a unanimous approval to take this new By-Law statement to the congregation. As a starting point some sermons were to be preached and classes for education and discussion. In February of 2002 we had a potluck dinner where The Rev. Tim Divine, Convener of the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Concerns of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ, came and spoke to us at a potluck. He shared his personal journey and what is the process in becoming an Open and Affirming church.  In the fall of 2002 we had a six consecutive classes on becoming an Open and Affirming church. There were multiple sermons preached on God's call for the church to be inclusive and our need to listen and follow God's call. 

       On December 8, 2002 our congregation voted to add this statement to our by-laws and in so doing becoming and Open and Affirming Church. We are recognized by both denominations as an Open and Affirming congregation.