In 2003, First Church Natick proudly adopted an “Open and Affirming” (ONA) covenant to make it clear that this congregation seeks to be a faith community where no one is required to repudiate their God-given identity in order to be welcome.
Since adopting our Open & Affirming Covenant in 2003, we have welcomed LGBTQ families, celebrated same-sex weddings, designated a gender-neutral bathroom, and partnered with OUT MetroWest serving area LGBTQ youth. We march in the annual Boston Pride Parade, host music and art events celebrating the LGBTQ community, and let our rainbow and transgender flags fly on Main Street.
Our Sanctuary is accessible by an elevator and the dais area is accessed by a ramp. An app is available for listening assistance and large print bulletins are available for people with sight restrictions.
FCC Natick, as a partner of the United Church of Christ Mental Health Network, works to reduce stigma and promote the inclusion of people with mental health challenges and neurodiversity and their families in the life, leadership and work of our congregation.
FCC Natick has offered many racial justice trainings and partners with both local organizations and the UCC in working towards disrupting the realities of systemic racism that surrounds us.
FCC Natick has been involved with the movement across our southern border and with those seeking asylum locally. In 2017, the church declared itself an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation with the following covenant:
FCC Natick affirms that everyone, regardless of national origin, has basic human rights including livelihood, family unity and physical and emotional safety. Our faith tradition is grounded in the stories of immigrants. The Spirit calls us through our sacred Scripture to welcome the stranger, to love our neighbor as ourselves.
As members and friends of the First Congregational Church in Natick, we covenant to be an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation.
We commit to:
1. Support interfaith efforts to protect all people and to end practices that divide families and weaken our communities.
2. Listen deeply to learn from all those who are affected.
3. Lift a public voice in support of fair treatment and hospitality toward our immigrant sisters and brothers.
4. Work for just and humane immigration policies.
5. Collaborate with efforts to transform social and economic causes of forced migration.
6. Build relationships of solidarity through direct service, education, action, advocacy and accompaniment.