RECONCILING IN CHRIST
What is the Call of the Gospel?
And Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15
The Response of St. Paul Lutheran
At our February, 1999, Annual Meeting, we declared our congregation to be a "Reconciling in Christ" Church, articulating to the general public a ministry that was already taking place with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people. For many years GLBT people have felt welcome at St. Paul through the ministry and care of our pastors, and the love and concern for justice by our lay and pastoral leaders.
"What is Reconciling in Christ?"
In 1984, Lutherans Concerned North America Started this program to recognize Lutheran congregations that welcome lesbian and gay believers. The roster now exceeds 180 Lutheran congregations and 15 synods (including our Rocky Mountain Synod) in the U.S.A. and Canada.
St. Paul Lutheran Statement of Welcome
This statement of welcome appears on many of our publications, including the weekly bulletin:
We rejoice in the manner in which diversity has enriched, nurtured and challenged the life and ministry we share in Christ, and regret actions and attitudes throughout the Church that may have inhibited or prevented access to Word and Sacrament because of age, race, socioeconomic or marital status, physical or mental capacities, or sexual orientation.
All People are Welcome Here. Why Should We Single Out Gay and Lesbian People?
The Reconciling in Christ program doesn't seek special treatment for GLBT folks. However, we live in a time when the voices of fear are all that is heard. Lutherans Concerned North America in fact continues to learn of Lutheran churches that shun GLBT people. Sometimes their parents and family are even vilified and attacked by church members.
As a result, most gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered folks assume they are not welcome in any church unless told otherwise. Reconciling in Christ seeks to make clear the policy of congregations that welcome all people as full members, regardless of their or their children=s sexual orientation.
Our Experience
Over recent decades gay men and lesbian women have chosen to integrate themselves into the life of our congregation like all other members. No special and separate group for GLBT people exists in the congregation. Instead we encourage continued integration of all in congregational life.
Other Actions We Have Taken
Over the past ten years, we have had theological teaching sessions on sexuality and homosexuality. Our pastors have used sermon themes and illustrations that reference homosexuality.
In 1997 the congregation Council resolved to affirm the blessing of same sex unions at the church. We have all benefitted from those who have given and received such liturgical blessing and have pledged their faithfulness in unity.
In 2002, we proposed two resolutions for the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly's consideration:
- Supporting the ordination and rostering of gay pastors in committed relationships
- Supporting congregations that bless unions of same-gender couples
We have supported Denver=s annual Pride Week. We advertise in the gay press.
We network with other organizations, including:
- Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
- Project Angelheart
Our pastors and lay members have testified on behalf of GLBT civil rights legislation at the Colorado State Legislature.
We have collected resources on homosexuality for our library.
We hosted two extraordinary worship services at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly in Denver, August, 1999, co-sponsored by Lutherans Concerned in North America, The Network, and Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries. Some of our members signed and contributed stoles to the national Stole Project, advocating the ordination of gays and lesbians who live in same sex unions.
The Reconciling in Christ Committee
- informs and educates the St. Paul community on issue and concerns of gay and lesbian people by means of forums, discussions, publications and other venues.
- emphasizes to the wider community St. Paul's mission as an RIC congregation.
- continues to help St. Paul be a welcoming community to gay and lesbian people.
Contact a member of the Reconciling in Christ committee. Members are available to meet and discuss a variety of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender concerns. They have conducted educational forums in congregations in the Denver metro area and welcome the opportunity to vist your congregation or study group.
The Reconciling in Christ logo (at left) combines the fish and the pink triangle. The IX-Thus, or fish symbol, originated as a secret recognition symbol for the early Christian community during a time of persecution. The pink triangle was used by the Nazis to identify the 250,000 - 500,000 European homosexuals who were sent to concentration camps and perished. Both symbols are now used by their respective communities a honored signs of respect and support.
To learn more about Reconciling in Christ, visit the web site of Lutherans Concerned, North America.
