Reconciling in Christ (RIC)
Q: What is RIC?
A: Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
The purpose of the RIC Program is to ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work and support the national program.
Learn more: www.reconcilingworks.org
On June 6, 2021, Community of ChristChurch voted to become a RIC Congregation. Voted passed
Community of ChristChurch is now a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
RIC Partners Public Commitments:
A: Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
The purpose of the RIC Program is to ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work and support the national program.
Learn more: www.reconcilingworks.org
On June 6, 2021, Community of ChristChurch voted to become a RIC Congregation. Voted passed
Community of ChristChurch is now a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
RIC Partners Public Commitments:
- Your community explicitly states a welcome to people of “all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions” or “LGBTQIA+” and names its commitment to "racial equity" or "anti-racism" in its welcome statement.
- Open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader.
- Will allow community space/sanctuary to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.
- Will make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program.
|
Next Meeting is October 13th
|
General Information on RIC: |
Community of ChristChurch Welcome Statement
“Community of ChristChurch is an open and affirming Christian community who lives in God’s love and grace. We strive to welcome and include all people because we believe God loves and welcomes all people, and we commit to work for racial justice in our church and the world. Regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective or anything else that might divide us, you are welcome here.
What this means:
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here:
If you are young or old, you are welcome
If you have brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any color of skin, you are welcome
If you are married or single or partnered or divorced, you are welcome
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, asexual, aromantic, or straight, you are welcome
If you are male, female, transgender, intersex, or non-binary, you are welcome
If you cannot hear or see or speak, you are welcome
If you are sick or well, you are welcome
If you are happy or sad, you are welcome
If you are rich or poor, powerful or weak, you are welcome
If you believe in God some of the time or none of the time or all of the time,
you are welcome
You are welcome here.
Come with your gifts, your pain, your hope, your fears
Come with the traditions that have helped you and hurt you
Come with your experiences that have made you and broken you
Come with a mind, ready to engage, and a heart, open to discern
Come and listen for the Sacred Spirit that calls you to love your neighbor wholeheartedly, seek justice, create peace and practice compassion
You are welcome here!“
“Community of ChristChurch is an open and affirming Christian community who lives in God’s love and grace. We strive to welcome and include all people because we believe God loves and welcomes all people, and we commit to work for racial justice in our church and the world. Regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective or anything else that might divide us, you are welcome here.
What this means:
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here:
If you are young or old, you are welcome
If you have brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any color of skin, you are welcome
If you are married or single or partnered or divorced, you are welcome
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, asexual, aromantic, or straight, you are welcome
If you are male, female, transgender, intersex, or non-binary, you are welcome
If you cannot hear or see or speak, you are welcome
If you are sick or well, you are welcome
If you are happy or sad, you are welcome
If you are rich or poor, powerful or weak, you are welcome
If you believe in God some of the time or none of the time or all of the time,
you are welcome
You are welcome here.
Come with your gifts, your pain, your hope, your fears
Come with the traditions that have helped you and hurt you
Come with your experiences that have made you and broken you
Come with a mind, ready to engage, and a heart, open to discern
Come and listen for the Sacred Spirit that calls you to love your neighbor wholeheartedly, seek justice, create peace and practice compassion
You are welcome here!“
Want to get involved?
Reconciling in Christ Team meets on the Third Thursday of every month @ 6:30pm
We are holding our meetings online via Zoom. Email [email protected] for the Zoom link.
RIC Resources and Training
- Clunky Questions: LGBTQIA+ Lutherans and Pastors Answer Common Questions
In our work, we often hear people with good intentions feel they aren't able to ask questions about what it means to be LGBTQIA+ because they are afraid of offending someone or they don't have the right words with which to ask. If this sounds familiar, or if your faith community is interested in how to better support LGBTQIA+ Lutherans, then the "Clunky Questions" series is for you.
- An Ally's Guide to Terminology
The words we use to talk about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and issues can have a powerful impact on our conversations. The right words can help open people’s hearts and minds, while others can create distance or confusion. For example, the abbreviation “LGBT” is commonly used within the movement for lesbian, gay, bi and transgender equality, but it can be confusing and alienating to people who don’t understand what it means (for many media and mainstream audiences, the term gay and transgender is more accessible without being overwhelming). Designed for new allies who want to support LGBT Americans but often face an array of confusing terminology and language, this short guide offers an overview of essential vocabulary, terms to avoid, and a few key messages for talking about various issues
- Lutheran Introduction To Sexual Orienation, Gender Identity, & Gender Expression
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation 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. The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program of ReconcilingWorks is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations that publicly welcome LGBTQIA+ people. As a way to deepen and expand that welcome, we offer this resource as a basic introduction to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
