The members of Salem Church in Verona voted recently to formally become an “Open and Affirming” (ONA) congregation. With a quorum of members attending, Council President Lisa Hart facilitated the vote and discussion. Salem’s members then voted overwhelmingly to adopt the ONA Covenant Statement.

“Formally adopting the ONA designation is just the first step in a program to reach all people of faith”, said John Bass, member of the committee that studied the process and brought the adoption recommendation to the Council and congregation. Jon Pundt, a member of the church’s leadership council, added, “In today’s world of increasingly exclusionary rhetoric, we are excited to be part of a public statement that welcomes and includes.”

In order to adopt the ONA designation, churches must undergo a process of discernment and discussion, and to understand that adopting an ONA Covenant Statement is but the first step in welcoming and encouraging all people to join in the mission of the church.

The ONA statement is clear: “We welcome and celebrate everyone, including people of all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, family configurations, economic circumstances, faith backgrounds, and physical and mental abilities.” Salem is committed to opening our doors to all who would like to grow with us as we seek further understanding, knowledge, and love of God.

About Salem United Church of Christ

Salem Church in Verona was founded in 1923 as part of the German Reformed Church of the United States (Congregational) to guide the faith development of the local Swiss community in a small building located on what is now the parking lot at Miller and Sons Grocery. In 1964, the members purchased land on Mark Drive and built the church we use today. As part of the Wisconsin conference of UCC churches, Salem is a progressive-minded church that supports the Verona area with both in-house and outreach ministries, from strong music and youth programs to varied community volunteerism and financial support.

To learn more about Salem, see our website at http://www.salemchurchverona.org.