Thank you for publishing a great article about John Thomas and the United Church of Christ. The national UCC church is fully supportive of affirming gays and lesbians in its churches. I am a member of small start-up UCC church in Raleigh, NC. Because we declared our church open and affirming of gays and lesbians, it took several long years before we were accepted by the UCC’s Eastern North Carolina Association. Many UCC churches in rural communities hold fast to a more conservative theology and struggle with the open and affirming concept. Though only a small percentage of our congregation is gay, the entire church stood firm with its support that our church would be open and affirming. Words can not adequately convey the sheer joy of being part of a loving and supporting Christian community. To all my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, if you are seriously seeking a place to explore you Christian faith in a welcoming and supportive environment, I encourage you to check out your local UCC church. Gaychristian.net will help you locate open and affirming churches in your area.