Elon University has a non-discrimination policy requiring all campus programs and groups to welcome all students without exception. That includes welcoming a diversity of views on gender and sexuality within Christian Life at Elon. While our Christian groups include a range of beliefs, the Chaplains work with Religious Life staff and student leaders to create a welcoming climate for all members of our community.

“Open and Affirming” or “Welcoming and Affirming” churches and ministries welcome and affirm the full inclusion in church and society of persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

Open and Affirming Christian Groups on Campus

Open and Affirming Churches in the Area

If you’re involved with an Open and Affirming Church not listed here, please let us know.

College Park Church (American Baptist, Alliance of Baptists)

1601 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27403
collegeparkchurch.com

College Park is progressive, diverse, and ecumenical. We are an open and affirming church that welcomes everyone with the radical hospitality of Christ. We are associated with the American Baptist Churches USA, the Alliance of Baptists, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Come as you are, ready to worship and grow in Christian faith and love. We’re not all Baptists, and all traditions are welcome. See Association of Welcome and Affirming Baptists.

Elon Community Church (United Church of Christ)

271 Williamson Avenue, Elon, NC 27244-0625
eloncommunitychurch.org

All people are welcome to share God’s generous gifts in this congregation of the United Church of Christ. People of various traditions have found a home in this caring community where reason, emotion and service join together in one’s faith development.  See Open and Affirming in the UCC

Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter

Located in downtown Burlington at the corner of Davis and Broad streets.
320 East Davis St., Burlington, NC 27215
holycomforterburlington.org

The Church of the Holy Comforter invites you to make our church your parish home for worship, fellowship and ministry during your college years. Holy Comforter is devoted to worshipping God and experiencing God’s presence within the church family, nurturing each other through a comprehensive parish program while affirming each other’s individual ministries and responding to God’s continuing call to minister to others. Opportunities abound for ministry within the parish and for various outreach projects in the community.

First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)

508 W Davis St, Burlington, NC 27215
www.fpcburlington.org

First Presbyterian Church is a strong, vibrant and welcoming community of faith. The doors of our church swing so wide as to welcome all, our arms are so open so as to embrace all, and our hearts are so warm that we love all.

Life’s Journey (United Church of Christ)

2121 Edgewood Avenue, Burlington, NC 27215
lifesjourneyucc.org

We are an extravagantly welcoming, open and affirming community of faith. We proclaim that in this community, diversity shall be accepted and valued and that our welcome will be open and embracing. We reject any status in terms of social standing, education, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental ability, physical ability or any other distinction.  In keeping with the Kingdom whose table is set for all, we will extend ourselves fully in an effort to relieve human suffering and will oppose that which diminishes or oppresses even one of God’s children.   We affirm our commitment to the Gospel hope, “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). See Open and Affirming in the UCC.

Storied Church (United Methodist)

New church community in Mebane, NC
www.storiedchurch.org

Storied Church is a newly emerging church community. “We are an open and affirming congregation in Mebane. We are dreaming of a church that doesn’t discourage skeptics or questions yet embraces them.” Connect with us on the website to learn more about meeting times and locations.

First United Methodist Church of Elon University

1630 Westbrook Ave, Elon, NC 27244
(336) 584-5263
https://elonfumc.org/

Elon First Baptist Church

113 Lynn St, Elon, NC 27244
(336) 584-5657
https://www.elonfbc.org/

First Christian Church UCC

415 S Church St, Burlington, NC 27215
(336) 226-7428
https://firstchristianucc.org/