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Joined Hands Unity

Reconciling in Christ

What is Reconciling in Christ?

Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is a process established and supported by Reconciling Works, a Lutheran initiative established in 1974, that has advocated for the "full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community" (www.reconcilingworks.org).

Group Celebration Outdoors

“I give you a new commandment: Love each other.”

— John 13:34 (CEB)
Rooted in Christ’s Call to Love

The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) process is a structured, prayerful journey through which congregations discern how they might more faithfully embody God’s love in the world—particularly with and toward LGBTQIA+ people and others who have been historically marginalized, excluded, or harmed by the church.

Why go through the RIC process?

The goal of Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is to determine if we, as a congregation, can publicly proclaim and practice Christ’s radical welcome by ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people and people of all races and ethnicities are fully included, celebrated, and safe in the life of the church.

 

Many people have experienced harm from religious communities that claim "all are welcome."

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By becoming an RIC congregation, we would declare explicitly and boldly that people of all races, genders, and relationships are welcome at our church as congregation members and leaders. We would also dedicate time and talents each year to promoting justice initiatives.

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Without explicit welcome, new and existing congregation members must navigate our community cautiously, not knowing how the congregation has chosen to live out Christ's commandment to Love one another, as Christ loves us.

 

There are congregations that have decided that they cannot, in good conscience, embrace all of Gods children with unconditional love and grace. For those congregations, even though they may say "all are welcome," they really mean that everyone can come to church, but certain people and relationships, are unworthy of respect and should be ignored, excised, or otherwise judged.

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By becoming a part of RIC, congregations that embrace the impossible, radical, inclusive, love and grace of God can let new and existing members know that all people are truly welcome, as they are, without exception.

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As Pr. Dave reminds us, God Loves You, No Matter What!

Holding Hands Together

“If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:26 (CEB)
Why Specific Invitation Matters

Specific invitation matters because it reduces uncertainty. Clearly naming who is welcomed and affirmed helps ease anxiety for those who have experienced harm in religious spaces or learned to expect rejection. It communicates not just openness, but clarity, responsibility, and care.

What is the Process?

  1. Leading the Process (Complete): Pastor Date has recruited members from the congregation to develop the Core Team who will lead the RIC process.

  2. Gathering Information (Complete): The Core Team reviewed the congregation's history, culture, and confirmed that we are, as a congregation, in a good position to engage in the RIC process. Core team members worked with congregation members to collect information to determine how to proceed.

  3. Strengthening Relationships (Complete): The Core Team engaged other congregants in discussions, deepening relationships through prayerful discussions about our community and our hopes for the future.

  4. Mapping the Journey (Complete): After the Core Team collects information representing a wide variety of perspectives from the congregation, the Core Team and Pr. Dave will determine if we proceed, and determine the schedule for future steps.

  5. Making it "Official" (Complete): The Core Team is now recognized as the Inclusive Grace Team by the council as an official ministry team.

  6. Learning and Discussion: The RIC Ministry will provide educational and discussion opportunities, including events like panels and special bible studies.

  7. Writing a new Welcome Statement proposal: The RIC Ministry will draft a proposed update to our Welcome Statement based on the information gathered through previous steps.

  8. Conduct an Exploratory Survey: The drafted welcome statement will be provided to the congregation to assess and provide feedback on.

  9. Hold a Congregational Vote: The congregation will vote on the new welcome statement and commitment to Reconciling in Christ. 

  10. Living our Commitment: If the congregation votes to adopt the new welcome statement and commit to Reconciling in Christ, the RIC Ministry will continue working towards spreading the Good News about God's impossible, inclusive, and infinite love, to all people, no matter what.

Equality Flags Display

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”

— Matthew 5:6a (CEB)
Living Our Faith

Although the RIC process often concludes with a public statement of welcome, it is not simply about choosing the right words. It involves learning, listening, repentance where needed, and growing together in faithfulness. RIC invites congregations to consider how welcome is lived out, not only in intention, but in real experience.

Outcome of the RIC Process

If voted for by the congregation:

  1. Our Welcome Statement will include explicit language directly welcoming people of all genders, gender expressions, sexual identities, races, and ethnicities.

  2. Our congregation will commit to accepting LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and other) and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) leaders.

  3. Church spaces may be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings/blessings (which we already allow).

  4. We would commit to an annual contribution to Reconciling Works. For example, in June, we could raise money towards the annual contribution in recognition of Pride Month. There is not a specific monetary requirement.

You Are Loved

“Test everything; hold fast to what is good.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (CEB)
Living Our Faith

The entire congregation is invited to reflect on who we are and how we live out Christ’s call to love, welcome, and justice. Every form of participation is valued. If you have questions, would like to learn more, or are interested in being involved in the RIC process, you are warmly invited to contact Pr. Dave. PastorDave@GoodShepherdMD.org

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