"Open and Affirming" is the designation used to describe progressive Disciples of Christ congregations that make a commitment to be inclusive and to fully integrate into the church persons of all races, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, and medical conditions. (You can read more about the Disciples of Christ efforts here.)

The leadership at the regional office of the Christian Church of Northern California-Nevada recognized that just like Christians who seek an open and affirming church, churches also seek open and affirming denominations. They felt it was important that this region of the Disciples of Christ should also be an open and affirming entity. In 1993, at the 139th CCNC-N Annual Meeting, the churches in the region overwhelmingly voted in favor of the resolution that made the region an open and affirming region.

Our Open and Affirming stance has demonstrated our commitment to fully integrate into our region all churches regardless of their congregational make-up, political stance, or theological perspective.

More than just including all churches in regional activities, we truly affirm them as the body of Christ in all its glorious diversity.

We support our churches in their belief that all people are children of God and are parts of our increasingly diverse culture, and their welcoming of all persons into the full life and ministry of their church.