BANGOR – The Hammond Street Congregational Church has voted to become an officially open and affirming congregation.

The congregation has pledged to accept all participants “regardless of their background, circumstances, ethni-“city, gender identity, family configuration or sexual orientation.”

The decision came Dec. 14 at the close of a year of study, prayer and discussion led by the Micah 6:8 Group, named after the passage in the Book of Micah. The group’s members are committed to peace and justice issues.