Updates on Our Journey
Start of the Idea
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.
The RIC exploring group began meeting in early 2022, including Connie Charitonuk (she/her); two confirmed youth; Youth Council representative David Petr (he/him), who led student government at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary when the seminary went through the RIC process; Janet DeVinney (she/her), Christian Education Council representative and Social Justice Ministry Team Co-Leader; and Gail Fricke (she/her), Social Justice Ministry Team Co-Leader. Others soon joined to learn about the process to become an RIC Partner Congregation through Reconciling Works, the ELCA welcoming organization. The exploring group:
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 to intentionally provide a safe place of love and support for LGBTQIA+ people.
The RIC exploring group began meeting in early 2022, including Connie Charitonuk (she/her); two confirmed youth; Youth Council representative David Petr (he/him), who led student government at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary when the seminary went through the RIC process; Janet DeVinney (she/her), Christian Education Council representative and Social Justice Ministry Team Co-Leader; and Gail Fricke (she/her), Social Justice Ministry Team Co-Leader. Others soon joined to learn about the process to become an RIC Partner Congregation through Reconciling Works, the ELCA welcoming organization. The exploring group:
- Reviewed RIC resources and materials, met virtually with Reconciling Works Director for Program Engagement Ashlei Buhrow to ask questions and clarify the RIC process, completed RIC exercises for possible congregation discernment, and learned about the detailed January 7, 2023 “Building an Inclusive Church” RIC training Janet took on her own.
- Spoke with pastors of RIC Partner Congregations in the Delaware-Maryland and Lower Susquehanna Synods to hear their experiences in becoming RIC, and with some ministry leaders and members about what RIC is and what the process involves.
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 to intentionally provide a safe place of love and support for LGBTQIA+ people.
Where We've Been
Listening Session 1 - March 26, 2023 (click to view the video)
“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.
Listening Session 2 - April 16, 2023 (click to view the video)
Follow up with Mr. Alfredo Santiago
Follow up with Mr. Alfredo Santiago
Book Discussion Sessions - June 2023
UNCLOBBER: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality written by Rev. Colby Martin who examines from a historical and hermeneutical method, the six passages in the Bible- often known as the “clobber” passages- that are commonly misused to prevent the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in congregational life.
Copies of the book are available for free from the church office if you'd like to study on your own.
UNCLOBBER: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality written by Rev. Colby Martin who examines from a historical and hermeneutical method, the six passages in the Bible- often known as the “clobber” passages- that are commonly misused to prevent the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in congregational life.
Copies of the book are available for free from the church office if you'd like to study on your own.
August 20, 2023 - "Town Hall" Meeting
In addition to submitted questions being addressed by the taskforce, participants at the town hall had the opportunity to voice comments, listen to testimonials and learn from one another. Read the Q&A's here. September 24, 2023 - "Town Hall" Meeting at 9:30 a.m.
Questions that were submitted for the taskforce were answered at the meeting and can be found on the RIC Q&A page. Guest speaker Carla Mattioli of the Harford County Health Department’s Free to Be community-based LGBTQIA+ program for teens ages 12-17 shared about the group’s monthly get-togethers offering a safe, supportive, welcoming environment for teens to gather, socialize, organize, and help one another. |
October 2023 - RIC Taskforce works on draft of welcome statement
October 26- Wrapping Up Session - Click to view the video The RIC Task Force hosted pastors of Reconciling in Christ congregations to share their congregation’s experience in the discernment process and in being RIC Partner Congregations, and to answer questions. Please join us in this conversation with Pastor Sandra Carlson Alexis, First English; Pastor Mark Parker (via video message), Breath of God Lutheran Church; Pastor Laura Sinche, Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministries and Pastor Christine Parker, Epiphany, the God is Love Church.
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Final Steps
Council review of process
Congregational Vote on becoming an RCI partner congregation on November 5th.
Congregational Vote on becoming an RCI partner congregation on November 5th.