“All are welcome!” We hear that phrase several times during every worship service and read it on our website. But do we really welcome “all”? On April 23, the church council approved moving Grace toward becoming a “Reconciling in Christ” (RIC) congregation.
What is RIC?
RIC is a list of Lutheran churches maintained by a non-profit organization called “Reconciling Works”. You can find their website here: www.reconcilingworks.org. The list lets lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexual minorities (LGBTQIA+) know which churches are “safe” to go to and where they will be welcomed with an explicit statement of welcome. Reconciling Works vision is for the full participation of LGBTQIA+ in the life of the church, congregation, and community. Reconciling Works is not directly associated with the ELCA, but most of the churches that are on the list are ELCA churches. Being in the program or “on the list” does not affect our status in the ELCA.
We are already welcoming. Why make a statement?
It is important for LGBTQIA+ people to know we’re welcoming because there are so many churches (Lutheran and other denominations) that are not welcoming. Many people have heard words of condemnation, they have felt unaccepted or told outright that they could not participate in the life of their church because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or who they love. And if we are welcoming, we want to tell everyone.
Does the Welcome Statement only include LGBTQIA+ people?
Grace will choose who else is included in our Welcome statement. Most welcome statements include a list of other people who have often faced social injustice due to their race, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, mental or physical illnesses, or anything that divides us. It is our vision to have a statement that lets everyone know that they are welcome and can fully participate in life at Grace.
How will RIC change Grace?
RIC will not change our identity or our mission. We will continue to welcome everyone, not based on a label they have been given, but because they are a beloved child of God.
What does a church have to do to be on the RIC list?
The requirements for a congregation to be on the list are:
- Explicitly states a welcome to people of “all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions and names its commitment to racial equity or antiracism in its welcome statement.
- The congregation should allow a same gender wedding in their facility
- The congregation should be open to interviewing an LGBTQIA+ or pastor of color when the time comes.
- Make an annual contribution to Reconciling Works.
"Dialogues on Sexuality" Series Dates
The series will be repeated on Wednesday nights. Dates to be determined. Our Wednesday Faith Night includes supper at 5:15pm, education opportunities at 6pm and a brief worship service at 6:45pm. Teens are especially welcome to these sessions.
The series will be repeated on Wednesday nights. Dates to be determined. Our Wednesday Faith Night includes supper at 5:15pm, education opportunities at 6pm and a brief worship service at 6:45pm. Teens are especially welcome to these sessions.
“We know we are a welcoming congregation here at Grace. We love when visitors come in the door and we’re excited to extend hospitality. Becoming an RIC congregation doesn’t change who we are. It names who we are. It proclaims who we are! " K Ellison, Church Council member
Contact anyone on the RIC team if you have any questions. Kathy Mork (parish@gracemankato.org), Becky Glaser, Kara Ellison, or Marcia Gustafson.