top of page
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).

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."

​​

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.

​

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.

​​

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.

​

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

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 is reviewed the congregation's history, culture, and confirmed that we are, as a congregation, in a good position to engage in the RIC process. 

  3. Strengthening Relationships (In Progress): The Core Team will engage other congregants in discussions, and ensure that all who wish to voice their perspective have an opportunity to do so.

  4. Mapping the Journey: 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": The Core Team will request to be recognized 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.​

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.

bottom of page