What is Reconciling in Christ all about?
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 (other denominations have their own similar processes). The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
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 (other denominations have their own similar processes). The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
What does it mean to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation?
Becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation means Good Shepherd will:
1. Adopt and advertise a welcome statement that clearly states our welcome to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions and our commitment to racial equity.
2. Be open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader.
3. Celebrate in our Sanctuary or other spaces weddings/blessings for LGBTQIA+ people.
4. Contribute annually to the national Reconciling in Christ Program.
1. Adopt and advertise a welcome statement that clearly states our welcome to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions and our commitment to racial equity.
2. Be open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader.
3. Celebrate in our Sanctuary or other spaces weddings/blessings for LGBTQIA+ people.
4. Contribute annually to the national Reconciling in Christ Program.
Meet the Taskforce
Kendall Marx
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Pastor Alejandro Mejia
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Gail Fricke
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Connie Charitonuk
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Janet DeVinney
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John Verbillis
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Jennifer Nesaw (with Shawn, Madeline and Finnegan)
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Updates on our Process
Where we've BEEN
At a church council meeting on November 16, 2021, several youth members along with their adult leader asked if LCGS would consider becoming a Reconciling in Christ Congregation, to publicly declare that we are welcoming to LGBTQIA individuals. A small exploring group was formed to look into what being an RIC congregation means and what the process would entail. In February of 2023, after an update to council from the exploring group, the Reconciling in Christ Task Force was officially formed! Together, we will be engaging in education and conversation as we discern if God is calling The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd....
Where we are NOW
Listening Session 1 - March 26, 2023
“Discrimination’s Toll on LGBTQIA+ Youth and Adults’ Mental Health" Facilitated by Mr. Alfredo Santiago, MSW, LCSW-C, Staff Therapist at Chase Brexton Health Care, Baltimore, and professional in the area of LGBTQIA+ Mental Health.
“Discrimination’s Toll on LGBTQIA+ Youth and Adults’ Mental Health" Facilitated by Mr. Alfredo Santiago, MSW, LCSW-C, Staff Therapist at Chase Brexton Health Care, Baltimore, and professional in the area of LGBTQIA+ Mental Health.
Where we are Headed
Schedule of upcoming sessions
town hall
Decision Meeting
town hall
Decision Meeting
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 process The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd’s RIC Task Force is following comes from Reconciling Works. You can learn more about them and their work on the Reconciling Works website.
The process The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd’s RIC Task Force is following comes from Reconciling Works. You can learn more about them and their work on the Reconciling Works website.
