At the Annual Meeting of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County on May 16, 2003, the Congregation, noting that for many years gay and lesbian persons have not only been welcomed into our fellowship and membership, but have also been active in the leadership and programs of the Church, officially declared itself a Welcoming Congregation, and has subsequently been recognized as such by the UUA Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns.
The first article of our Bylaws provides: "This Church shall be open and free to all worshippers. With regard to membership, hiring, contracting, the calling of religious professionals, and all the activities of the Church, we affirm and promote the full participation of all individuals without regard to race, color, gender, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, age, class, or national origin."