2025 Open and Affirming National Gathering

Stay tuned for updates on our theme, speakers, schedule, and more—exciting details will be announced soon!

July 9-10, 2025 | Kansas City Downtown Marriott | Kansas City, MO
Held Just Before the United Church of Christ General Synod

For over 50 years, the Open and Affirming (ONA) Coalition has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. In a time when our communities continue to face political and social threats, our gathering is more than an event—it is a movement, a celebration, and a call to action.

Why This Gathering Matters Now More Than Ever

We are living in a moment of intensifying attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, with discriminatory laws, religious exemptions that promote exclusion, and a resurgence of anti-queer rhetoric in churches and public policy. Across the country, LGBTQ+ people—especially trans and non-binary individuals—are being targeted by legislation that seeks to erase our existence and restrict our freedoms. These political and social threats are not abstract; they affect real people in real ways, making it even more urgent for faith communities to stand boldly in affirmation and justice.

This is why we gather. This is why we must worship, organize, celebrate, and build power together. Our faith demands that we show up—not just in times of ease, but in moments of struggle. We cannot afford to be silent.

The 2025 National Gathering is a time to:

🔹 Affirm Our Faith – Through worship and community, we will affirm that God’s love is for all people, and that no law, policy, or rhetoric can change the sacred worth of LGBTQ+ individuals.

🔹 Build Resilience – With workshops, strategy sessions, and leadership development, we will equip ourselves to push back against discrimination and injustice.

🔹 Celebrate Milestones & Inspire the Future – As we honor 40 years since the Open and Affirming resolution was passed at General Synod, 25 years since the marriage equality resolution was passed at General Synod, and 10 years since the Supreme Court Marriage Equality decision, we will also commit to the next generation of justice work.

What to Expect:

✅ Dynamic Speakers & Workshops – Engage with faith leaders, activists, and theologians addressing the urgent issues of our time.
✅ Powerful Worship – Celebrate and affirm God’s love for all people through uplifting and justice-centered worship experiences.
✅ State of the Movement Address – Gain insights from the ONA Coalition’s leadership on the future of our movement.
✅ Community Connection & Celebration – Meet ONA advocates from across the country, share best practices, and build lasting relationships.

Why Attend?

💡 Churches, send at least one representative! Every ONA church is encouraged to send at least one person to be part of shaping the next chapter of this movement.

💡 If your church is still discerning its ONA commitment, this is the perfect opportunity to learn, grow, and take the next steps toward a more just and inclusive future.

Registration & Pricing:

📅 Early Bird Registration: $250 per person (includes four meals: one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner). Available until April 25, 2025.
📅 Regular Registration: $325 per person after April 25, 2025.
👕 Add a limited-edition ONA Gathering t-shirt for $25!

Scholarships may be available to help make attendance more accessible. If you would like to request financial assistance, please reach out to Rev. Derek Terry, our Program Director, at ona@openandaffirming.org for more information.

We do not profit from the National Gathering—registration fees cover food and meeting expenses. We rely on the generosity of churches and individual donors to make this work possible. To support seminarians, seniors, and others who may need assistance, please consider adding a donation at checkout. Your generosity helps ensure that all who wish to attend can do so.

Hotel Reservations:

We are finalizing room blocks at two downtown hotels, including the Kansas City Downtown Marriott, for National Gathering attendees.

• Hotel reservation details will be available after March 3, 2025.
• Anyone who registers on or after March 3 will receive the hotel booking link in their confirmation email.
• Anyone who registers before March 3 will receive the hotel booking link as soon as it becomes available.
• The average room rate is approximately $195 per night.

Our group rate covers July 8-10, but for any additional nights, please complete your registration at GeneralSynod.org to receive the hotel booking link. Availability is on a first come first serve basis.

Stay tuned for updates on our theme, speakers, schedule, and more—exciting details will be announced soon!

This is More Than a Conference—It’s a Call to Action

LGBTQ+ people are not going anywhere. Our faith is not up for debate. Our dignity is not conditional. And our movement is not slowing down. The 2025 Open and Affirming National Gathering is where we will reclaim our power, strengthen our commitment, and proclaim—without apology—that God’s love is for ALL.

Now is the time to show up. Now is the time to stand together.