Rev. Dr. John Herman  

Open and Affirming Statement: 

As part of the Christian community of faith, Desert Palm United Church of Christ has been strengthened by its struggles to act within the spirit of our faith against the prejudices and injustices which occur in society today. We have extended our spiritual horizons, opened our doors to welcome all who seek a church home, and put the Good News message we preach into practice.

The members of Desert Palm Church with the help of God, covenant to live as an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, welcoming people of any sexual orientation into the full life, membership, leadership and employment of this church. Desert Palm Church covenants to live as a multi-cultural, multi-racial, intergenerational community; we seek to break down the barriers of separation between communities based on race, sex, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic class, culture, language, and other physical or social differences, and to celebrate our diversity while affirming our unity in Jesus Christ.

We further recommend the Church Council establish a task force to work with the congregation and its boards and committees to incorporate this covenant statement into the life and ministry of this church.