Tel: 540-951-1000
Tel: 540-951-1000
Tel: 540-951-1000
Tel: 540-951-1000
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community.
The following statement was written and adopted by Luther Memorial Lutheran Church
in 2003, and updated in 2021:
"To you who are reading this, we thank you. In 2003 we chose to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation. At that time, we “voiced our concern and caring for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people.” Now in 2021 we are expanding our commitment to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expression and adding a commitment to racial equity for all people.
In creating our beautiful world, God provided us with great natural diversity. Although many of us find it easy to appreciate diversity in such things as land forms and vegetation, we stumble when we try to appreciate differences in other people – differences such as sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and skin color. We know that God wants us to appreciate and love our neighbor, but how shall we do that? We are a community committed to the work of bringing racial equity and justice for all of God’s beloveds. It has been said that we more easily come to love others when we listen to their stories and share ours with them. As we do this, we find commonalities – areas in which we have both experienced joys, sorrows, achievements, failures, and hurt. When we are open with each other in this way, we grow in our understanding of ourselves and in our understanding of others. Relationships can form that will bring us closer to each other and to God, as we come to share comfort, love and peace with each other. Is this something that you might like to do? If so, please join us as we travel this path."
Welcoming & Affirming: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in our Families & Synod
Why does language matter so much to LGBTQIA+ teens? How can families celebrate milestones in the lives of their LGBTQIA+ teens? How can I create a culture of affirmation in my church?
On May 6, 13, 20, and June 3 at 7pm on Zoom, the Tapestry Team’s LGBTQIA+ Thread will explore these questions and more in their book study on Welcoming and Affirming: A Guide to Supporting with LGBTQ+ Christian Youth. This is for parents, guardians, rostered ministers, youth leaders, grandparents, and anyone who wants to learn how to better love and care for the LGBTQIA+ teens in their lives.
The study will be facilitated by George Donovan, Tapestry Co-chair, and Pastor Colleen Montgomery, All Places Together & Director for Digital Ministries - Virginia Synod, along with other voices from the LGBTQIA+ community as well. Each session will include a devotion, time for questions from participants, storytelling from LGBTQIA+ Lutherans in Virginia, and brainstorming of practical steps to care for our youth.
While participants do not have to attend every session, the content and discussion will build. In order to honor the stories and vulnerability of participants, the sessions will not be recorded.
Here's the reading schedule for the series.
May 6 - Week 1: Foreword - What Does It Mean to Transition? Pages 8-54
May 13 - Week 2: How Do I Know If a Student Is Struggling with Anxiety or Depression? - Am I the Best Resource? Pages 55-103
May 20 - Week 3: Celebrating Milestones in the Lives of LGBTQ+ Teenagers - What If There Are No Queer Students in My Group? Pages 104-152
June 3 - Week 4: How Do I Recognize and Confront Religious Abuse? - What Else Do I Need to Know? Pages 152-183
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community. Luther Memorial Lutheran Church is proud to be a Reconciling in Christ congregation since 2003 - find out more here.
This All Places Together podcast features an interview with Ashley Saunders (Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg) who is a mom to a trans son and community organizer. You can listen to it by clicking the button below or anywhere you get podcasts. All Places Together, Episode 70, Transforming Affirmation.
Rainbow Connection gatherings are intended to be a safe space for LGBTQIA+ persons and allies to gather, socialize, network, and share their concerns. This intergenerational group is open to anyone in the Blacksburg area. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome, and students and faculty from Virginia Tech are encouraged to participate.
Rainbow Connection is not currently meeting but we are discerning the best way to meet the fellowship needs of our LGBTQIA+ friends in the Blacksburg community. If you’d like to share insight or for more information, please email Pastor Monica.
The Well Campus Ministry achieved Reconciling in Christ status in 2021. As a community, we are committed to providing a safe and nourishing space for all of God’s people, embracing Virginia Tech students
from every walk of life, background, gender,
sexuality, race, ability and identity.
Thanks to Dr. Bing, Director, LGBTQ+ Resource Center in the Office for Inclusion and Diversity (OID) at Virginia Tech, for this comprehensive list of resources for the LBGTQ community. Included are state resources, LGBTQ+ Welcoming Religious Centers, LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses, LGBTQ+ Friendly Doctors and Hospitals, LGBTQ+ Organizations, and LGBTQ+ Friendly Establishments.
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