You are God’s Beloved, And You are Welcome Here!

Loop Church desires to be an open and affirming Christian Reformed church in the city of Chicago.

What does it mean to be “open & Affirming” Church?

The term “open and affirming” is a designation used by churches and congregations to publicly articulate their desire for the full participation of people in the life of the church regardless of their sexual-orientation, gender identity/expression, or relationship status. 

At Loop Church this means that our Sunday worship, table-fellowship, and community service, are open to all. Loop Church affirms the calling of our LGBTQ siblings in Christ to ordained leadership in church. Loop Church affirms the desire of people in same-sex relationships to faithfully enter into and celebrate the covenant of marriage and supports those who faithfully live in singleness. 

The term “open and affirming” can also designate the type of welcome we seek to offer anyone regardless of other markers of identity such as: age, economic status, educational attainment, political leaning, (dis)ability, or immigration status. Such a welcome is not radical or progressive, but simply the type of hospitality demanded by God and displayed by Jesus Christ. 

Our desire to be fully “open and affirming” does not mean that we live out this welcome perfectly and it does not mean that every church member holds the same theology or view of human sexuality. Within our denomination there is a diversity of interpretations around how the Bible speaks into the possibility of same-sex relationships. As a local church we commit to becoming an “open and affirming” Christian community. We also believe that such a commitment should not become a litmus test of belonging for those who believe differently or are still wrestling. We are committed to meeting each person where they are at in their faith journey, and walking with one another in love even if we disagree.

Loop Church is a member of The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches and a listed church on www.gaychurch.org