PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Sanctuary Community of Christ will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, May 4, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the establishment of Scioto County’s first openly affirming church. The event, open to the public, will feature live music, refreshments, and a renewed commitment to inclusivity in the Portsmouth area.

The church, located in Portsmouth, is the spiritual successor to the Portsmouth Welcoming Community, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Sanctuary aims to provide a safe space for all, regardless of background, identity, or sexual orientation, to explore spirituality without fear of judgment.

“We’re here to remind Portsmouth that faith and love are not mutually exclusive,” said Landen Puckett, a church leader. “Everyone deserves a place to feel seen, heard, and loved.”

Sanctuary has partnered with local leaders in Portsmouth and Scioto County to advocate for inclusive legislation and foster economic growth. The opening signifies a progressive shift in the county, home to over 80,000 residents, as it embraces its first church dedicated to affirming all identities.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m., and media are encouraged to attend.

What is an Affirming Church?

An affirming church is a religious congregation that explicitly welcomes and supports individuals of all identities, particularly those who have historically been marginalized within religious settings, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community. These churches actively promote inclusivity, ensuring that people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds are fully accepted and celebrated within the congregation.

Key characteristics of an affirming church include:

• Open Acceptance: Affirming churches reject discriminatory practices or doctrines that exclude or condemn individuals based on their identity. They often publicly declare their commitment to inclusivity through statements, policies, or affiliations with affirming networks.

• Safe Spaces: These congregations create environments where individuals can worship, participate, and explore spirituality without fear of judgment, rejection, or harm.

• Advocacy: Many affirming churches engage in advocacy beyond their walls, supporting social justice initiatives, inclusive legislation, and community efforts to promote equality and combat discrimination.

• Theological Emphasis on Love and Inclusion: Affirming churches often interpret religious texts through a lens of unconditional love, emphasizing teachings that prioritize compassion, acceptance, and community over rigid or exclusionary doctrines.

In the context of Sanctuary Community of Christ, the church’s affirming status means it actively welcomes and supports LGBTQ+ individuals, among others, as full members of the congregation. This is particularly significant in Scioto County, where such an openly affirming congregation marks a historic first, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity in a region that has not traditionally been associated with progressive religious movements.

Affirming churches often contrast with non-affirming or traditional congregations that may hold doctrinal positions excluding or condemning certain identities, particularly around issues of sexuality and gender. By contrast, affirming churches like Sanctuary Community of Christ aim to bridge faith and inclusivity, fostering spiritual communities where everyone is valued equally.