Questions & Answers
These questions have been submitted to the RIC Taskforce over the course of the discernment journey and answered at the first Town Hall. More Q&A's will be added after the September Town Hall.
“What physical changes would be made to our property…bathrooms, etc.”
It's not a requirement to make physical changes to our property such as bathrooms. Council would have to make such a decision, in accordance with how things are evolving. If down the road Council decides LGBTQIA+ people and others in the community would benefit from building a restroom, such as family with members who require bathroom assistance, they can address that.
"What does it mean to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community? Can you be an ally and still have room for differing on certain points (e.g. transgender athletes competing in women's sports)?”
An ally is open and affirming, and committed to continual learning. You can be an ally and still be on a journey of learning. Being an ally doesn't mean we agree on everything, but we are open to learning. Remember, we are all coming from our own identities. Let's approach this with curiosity, empathy, and honesty. It's okay to be honest to better understand.
"I need a deeper description of what is a Reconciling church.”
We have brochures in the Narthex if you'd like one. ReconcilingWorks is welcoming organization of the ELCA and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ Program has been a public way for ELCA 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 known by other names). The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
As of July 2023 there are:
1031 ELCA Reconciling in Christ Communities in the United States
303 ELCA Faith Communities on their Journey to Becoming RIC Partners
16 RIC Partner Congregations (plus Mar-Lu-Ridge, Lutheran Campus Ministries, and the DE-MD Synod) in the DE-MD Synod - however, there are no other congregations currently within 10 miles of LCGS.
To be recognized as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Partner, a faith community will:
-Clearly state a welcome to people of “all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions” or “LGBTQIA+” and name its commitment to "racial equity" or "anti-racism" in its welcome statement.
-Be open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader - clergy, pastor or deacon.
-Allow sanctuary/community space/ to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings. See the ELCA’s Marriage Resource or ReconcilingWorks Worship, Liturgy, & Scripture material.
-Make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program.
A meaningful contribution is determined by your faith community, its budget, and the understanding that your generosity funds the RIC Program. Meaningful contributions vary for each RIC partner.
"Why are we focusing on these groups, only?? Our focus and concern should be on all groups, i.e. unwed mothers, the homeless, those suffering from addiction and any soul in general despair. The LGBTQIA+ community makes up 1 to 3% of the U.S. population."
First, it is important to clarify that putting a percentage on the community is really hard. Statistics show much more than 3 percent; numbers don't lie. That said, our service to the community is not based on a percentage number. The LGBTQIA+ community has been more targeted by church leaders and communities. We as people who believe in the Jesus who left the 99 sheep to seek after the 1, need to be an example of this. It's about need. This congregation also works directly and indirectly to assist other suffering people in the community.
"What physical changes would be made to our building inside and out - esp. bathrooms?"
It's not a requirement to build bathrooms. Council would have to make such a decision, in accordance with how things are evolving. If down the road Council decides LGBTQIA+ people and others in the community would benefit from building a restroom, they can address that. Many congregations put a message on their sign and/or hang another outward sign that they are welcoming. Because many people from the LGBTQIA+ community have been told they can't be part of a congregation, a visual statement, such as a sign, flag or banner, tells people "you are welcome here." People in the community can see this as a place where they can belong. It's to make a visual statement for those who are on the street. We know congregations reject you. We want to stand with you.
It's not a requirement to make physical changes to our property such as bathrooms. Council would have to make such a decision, in accordance with how things are evolving. If down the road Council decides LGBTQIA+ people and others in the community would benefit from building a restroom, such as family with members who require bathroom assistance, they can address that.
"What does it mean to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community? Can you be an ally and still have room for differing on certain points (e.g. transgender athletes competing in women's sports)?”
An ally is open and affirming, and committed to continual learning. You can be an ally and still be on a journey of learning. Being an ally doesn't mean we agree on everything, but we are open to learning. Remember, we are all coming from our own identities. Let's approach this with curiosity, empathy, and honesty. It's okay to be honest to better understand.
"I need a deeper description of what is a Reconciling church.”
We have brochures in the Narthex if you'd like one. ReconcilingWorks is welcoming organization of the ELCA and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ Program has been a public way for ELCA 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 known by other names). The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
As of July 2023 there are:
1031 ELCA Reconciling in Christ Communities in the United States
303 ELCA Faith Communities on their Journey to Becoming RIC Partners
16 RIC Partner Congregations (plus Mar-Lu-Ridge, Lutheran Campus Ministries, and the DE-MD Synod) in the DE-MD Synod - however, there are no other congregations currently within 10 miles of LCGS.
To be recognized as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Partner, a faith community will:
-Clearly state a welcome to people of “all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions” or “LGBTQIA+” and name its commitment to "racial equity" or "anti-racism" in its welcome statement.
-Be open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader - clergy, pastor or deacon.
-Allow sanctuary/community space/ to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings. See the ELCA’s Marriage Resource or ReconcilingWorks Worship, Liturgy, & Scripture material.
-Make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program.
A meaningful contribution is determined by your faith community, its budget, and the understanding that your generosity funds the RIC Program. Meaningful contributions vary for each RIC partner.
"Why are we focusing on these groups, only?? Our focus and concern should be on all groups, i.e. unwed mothers, the homeless, those suffering from addiction and any soul in general despair. The LGBTQIA+ community makes up 1 to 3% of the U.S. population."
First, it is important to clarify that putting a percentage on the community is really hard. Statistics show much more than 3 percent; numbers don't lie. That said, our service to the community is not based on a percentage number. The LGBTQIA+ community has been more targeted by church leaders and communities. We as people who believe in the Jesus who left the 99 sheep to seek after the 1, need to be an example of this. It's about need. This congregation also works directly and indirectly to assist other suffering people in the community.
"What physical changes would be made to our building inside and out - esp. bathrooms?"
It's not a requirement to build bathrooms. Council would have to make such a decision, in accordance with how things are evolving. If down the road Council decides LGBTQIA+ people and others in the community would benefit from building a restroom, they can address that. Many congregations put a message on their sign and/or hang another outward sign that they are welcoming. Because many people from the LGBTQIA+ community have been told they can't be part of a congregation, a visual statement, such as a sign, flag or banner, tells people "you are welcome here." People in the community can see this as a place where they can belong. It's to make a visual statement for those who are on the street. We know congregations reject you. We want to stand with you.
