2025 Open and Affirming National Gathering

THEME: Sacred Seen and Called: Living Our Truth, Embracing Our Light", inspired by Philippians 2:15... Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

Stay tuned for updates on our speakers 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, 20 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:

📅 General Registration: $250 per person (includes four meals: one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner). Initially we were going to increase this early bird registration price; however, the Coalition would like to make this year's gathering as affordable as we can so we are keeping the registration at this price!

👕 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 Acting Executive 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 have secured room blocks at two downtown hotels for National Gathering attendees: Kansas City Downtown Marriott and The Seville Plaza Hotel.

Hotel Options & Rates

• Kansas City Downtown Marriott – Approx. $195 per night + applicable taxes
  • Our group rate covers July 8-10, 2025.
  • The reservation link will be provided after you complete your National Gathering registration.
  • Important: If you are also attending General Synod, you will need to book your accommodations through General Synod after registering at GeneralSynod.org.
• The Seville Plaza Hotel – Approx. $94 per night + applicable taxes
  • This hotel is three miles from the main venue, with two bus routes and a streetcar providing transportation.
  • Important Notes About This Hotel:
    1. The hotel is undergoing major renovations, which may result in noise or minor inconveniences.
    2. Room conditions vary—you may receive either a newly renovated room or an unrenovated one, depending on availability.
    3. This hotel offers a wider booking window (July 8-11, 2025) compared to the Marriott block.
  • Due to these factors, the hotel has asked us to be upfront about the conditions, which contribute to the lower room rate.
  • The reservation link will also be provided after you complete your National Gathering registration.

Booking Information

• Hotel reservations are first-come, first-served.
• After completing your National Gathering registration, you will receive a link to reserve a room at either hotel.
• Room rates listed are before applicable taxes and fees.

If you are attending the general synod you will need to register at GeneralSynod.org to receive the hotel booking link for that block. Availability is on a first come first serve basis and we have no assistance to offer with that hotel information.

Stay tuned for updates on our 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.