Irvine United Congregational Church is celebrating 25 years of welcoming people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions into the full community and life of the church. The church was a pioneer in becoming the first Orange County congregation to adopt an Open and Affirming declaration and later became a leader in the fight for marriage equality. Irvine UCC will celebrate this monumental anniversary with an event featuring former IUCC pastor the Rev. Fred Plumer.

“LGBTQ people have experienced genuine trauma in what were supposed to be the loving arms of the church. There is real healing work to be done.” said the Rev. Dr. Paul Tellström, Senior Pastor, Irvine United Congregational Church. “It’s too easy to tell someone they are welcome. If that person has had a painful experience, your welcome has to be backed up by honest intentionality in word, action, symbol and deed. Your welcome has to hang in the air like incense.”