We are a Reconciling in Christ ELCA Congregation

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? 

This book, Welcoming and Affirming: A Guide to Supporting with LGBTQ+ Christian Youth, 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.