The ONA (Open & Affirming) movement in the United Church of Christ (UCC) began on a national level in 1985 when the UCC adopted the resolution, "Calling on United Church of Christ Congregations to Declare Themselves Open and Affirming."

The central affirmation of an ONA congregation is that all people, regardless of persuasion or orientation, are welcome in the full life and ministry of the church. In light of the growing awareness of the interrelatedness of sexual orientation and gender identity, the UCC also encourages the inclusion of transgender persons.

UCC churches become officially ONA by adopting an "Open and Affirming" statement expressing this welcome. On June 7, 2009, the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn voted to endorse the following statement:

"At First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, we rejoice in our community of faith, strengthened by diversity, including diversity of culture, economic status, age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and physical or mental abilities.  We affirm that God is glorified when we welcome all people to our spiritual community, as Jesus did.  Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here."