What does it mean to be a “reconciling in Christ” congregation?

Public Welcome Statement:

A clear and visible statement affirming the church's welcome to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities is essential. 

Commitment to Racial Equity:

The welcome statement should also include a commitment to addressing racial inequities. 

Open to LGBTQIA+ Leadership:

The church should be open to calling LGBTQIA+ individuals to leadership positions, including pastors. 

Support for LGBTQIA+ Events:

Allowing LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings to take place within the church. 

Financial Contribution:

Contributing financially to the national ReconcilingWorks organization that oversees the RIC program. 

Is King of Kings a welcoming Church?

For many years churches have said “All are welcome” but would still give a cold shoulder to those who don’t “look like us, act like us, or love like us”. This disconnect can and does push people from marginalized groups further from the church.

The King of kings welcoming statement starts with “Today we extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, partnered, divorced, or are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. You are welcome if you are a crying newborn, dirt poor, filthy rich, have brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any color of skin, speak perfect English, broken English, or four different languages.” These are powerful words, but the words don’t mean much if our actions do not follow along with them.

About a year ago, King of kings formed Team Inclusion to see if we are ready to truly be an inclusive community. Using guidance from the Reconciling Works “Reconciling in Christ” program, we met with staff, council, and key volunteers to get a feel for where we stand today. We offered the Unclobber book study this past summer to the congregation. It was widely attended. We are very encouraged by the feedback we have received thus far and are ready to expand the conversation to the congregation as a whole.

For the last 50 years, Reconciling Works: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community.  Reconciling Works sponsors the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) welcoming program.  To be a RIC church affirms to all that your church publicly welcomes and affirms all LGBTQIA+ people, their friends and families.

Education and discussion are pivotal. After both services on Sunday (January 12th), please join Team Inclusion in the lobby for coffee and conversation regarding this process and any questions you may have. If you don’t want to ask your question in person, a question box will be available in the lobby or you can email us at teaminclusion@koklc.org

Also, watch this space in the following weeks as we will have informational materials and answers to frequently asked questions.