Reconciling in Christ
Whatever your race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic position, or family status, we invite you to join us in our lifelong journey of faith and discovery…
The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) designation is a public way for faith communities in the ELCA to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.
The question of how God is leading Messiah Lutheran Church to be more explicitly welcoming, particularly given our unique proximity to and connection with Bethany College, rests firmly in Messiah’s tradition of willingness to tangibly expand our welcome as the need is presented. Indeed, this question resonates back to the very formation of our church.
The timeliness of this work became even more apparent in June of 2024 when the Central States Synod of the ELCA voted overwhelmingly to become an RIC synod. That does not mean congregations in the Synod become RIC by proxy. But it did lend encouragement and energy towards doing the work which had already begun at Messiah. Each congregation must do their own work of discernment related to their alignment with the RIC designation.
What does it mean to truly extend Christ’s welcome to all?
Messiah Church is a congregation formed around the ongoing willingness to always ask the hard questions and seek the Spirit’s guidance, and it is in this spirit that, after months of hard work and consideration, the congregation of Messiah Lutheran Church voted on November 10, 2024 to official adopt the designation of being a Reconciling in Christ congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
At the heart of the RIC designation is the following welcome statement…
God loves everyone.
Whatever your race, culture, ethnicity, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, socioeconomic position, or family status, we invite you to join us in this lifelong journey of faith and discovery.
We are committed to anti-racism, social and economic justice, and caring for our beautiful and fragile world.
Here at Messiah the door is open, the table is set.
Welcome.
We recognize this vote to represent not an ending of our work, but a new beginning, as we journey together, Spirit led, towards a more complete embrace of God’s extravagant welcome, grace, and justice. And we welcome all to join us on this journey, as we continue to learn and grow together.
You can learn much more about the Reconciling in Christ designation and Reconciling Works here.
