Whereas: Christ Church is a Christian faith community that affirms that every person has worth as a unique creation made in the image of God. We recognize, celebrate and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us, and we believe that all acts of exclusion are inconsistent with Christ's teaching.

Further, as a faith community, we take seriously our mission of inclusion, and we delight in extending a welcome to our faith community to all to join in worship and full membership regardless of race, age, gender, culture, sexual orientation, or economic status. In addition we believe that through our diversity, all can grow and practice a unity of faith that transcends our differences. We commit to model a community of faith and spirit that works toward openness and understanding, offering justice, healing and wholeness of life for all people.

Be it resolved that the Vestry of Christ Church of Montpelier, Vermont, declare ourselves to be an open and affirming congregation of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Vermont.  We believe that all baptized Episcopalians should be able to fully participate in all of the sacraments.  This is consistent with our mission statement, which states that we strive to provide a “compassionate environment where, empowered by God’s Spirit, we are both comfortable and challenged to discover Christ in ourselves so that we can share Christ with others and make Christ known to the world.”  We also proclaim, as part of living out our baptismal vows that we have a responsibility to “nurture and support each member’s call to ministry” as part of our mission statement.  We strive to be a place of sanctuary, healing, inclusion, transformation, justice and compassion.

We also embrace the mission of Integrity Vermont.  Integrity Vermont celebrates and witnesses to the Episcopal Church and the LGBT community God's embracing love, working for full inclusion in all the sacraments.

Adopted by the Vestry of Christ Church, Montpelier
April 17, 2011