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Reconciling in Christ
Reconciling in Christ is a program for
Lutheran communities of faith to
answer the inclusive call of the gospel by welcoming gay and lesbian
believers.
In 1984 Lutherans Concerned / North America started the Reconciling in
Christ program to recognize Lutheran congregations which welcome lesbian and
gay believers. The Reconciled in Christ roster has grown at an accelerated
pace in recent years, since exceeding 250 Lutheran congregations in the U.S.
and Canada. The program has also expanded to include 21 synods (ELCA) and
other Lutheran organizations, such as the Lutheran Student Movement - USA.
All people are welcome here. Why should we single out gay and lesbian
people? The Reconciling in Christ program doesn't seek special treatment for
gay or lesbian people. The reality is, however, that we live in a time where
the voices of fear and ignorance dominate the public discussion on human
sexuality issues in our society. Most often these judgmental voices of
irrational fear are all that is heard. In fact. Lutherans Concerned
continues to learn of Lutheran churches that shun gay and lesbian people.
Sometimes their parents and family are even vilified and attacked by church
members.
As a result, it is assumed by most gay and lesbian people that they are not
welcome in any church unless told otherwise. Even a general statement of
welcome is heard as really meaning "everybody but me." The RIC program seeks
to make clearer the policy of churches where all people are welcome as full
members, regardless of their sexual orientation or their children's.
For additional information about the
Reconciling in Christ program, please visit
their website at
www.lcna.org/ric.shtm.
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