Bethel Lutheran Church
Reconciling in Christ (RIC)

Reconciling in Christ (RIC)

Bethel is committed to being a safe space for all people to explore and live out a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

“Called by God in our journey of faith to carry out Jesus’ ministry of inclusivity, the Bethel congregation begins a series of educational and programmatic opportunities so that we become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. An RIC congregation articulates – intentionally, specifically and publicly – full embrace of persons of all sexual orientation, gender identities and gender expressions.” (Bethel Joint Council, June 6, 2019)

FAQs

What does it mean to become a Reconciling In Christ congregation?
The affirmation of the Welcome statement provides the foundation of the RIC program. It is a public document that specifically welcomes “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual” (LGBTQIA+) people or “people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions” into full participation within the community.

All people are welcome in our faith community. Why should we single out LGBTQIA+?
Many LGBTQIA+ people have learned by experience that they are not welcome in faith communities, even in those that state, “All are welcome here!” A general statement of welcome is often heard as meaning “everybody but me,” so it can take a special effort to communicate an authentic welcome to LGBTQIA+ people. Many RIC communities find that the process of extending a welcome to LGBTQIA+ people opens them up to other people or groups who also need a particular invitation to know that “all” includes them as well.

We’re already welcoming. Why do we need to be RIC?

  • To communicate who we are
  • To reach and retain young people
  • Because people continue to hurt
  • When “all” can actually mean all
  • To connect with RIC resources
  • For the health of our community
Personal Reflections

Bethel’s vision is to be an actively welcoming congregation to LGBTQIA+ people. Here Bethel members share a personal reflection related to the LGBTQIA+ and faith communities.

Matthew Coppens

Sue Rogers

Tom Solheim

Resources

Here you will find more information in the form of articles and videos related to faith and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Read and listen to compelling articles, and enjoy some music that we hope inspires and entertains you.

Reflections on Being “Reconciled in Christ”

 

ARTICLES

Stations of the Cross:  An LGBTQIA+ Lenten Journey

ReconcilingWorks website, a resource center for Lutheran communities

“Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America”

You know, “Love One Another” is Really Enough by Michael Pahl

Brief Biblical Case for LGBTQ Inclusion

“10 Bible Passages That Teach a Christian Perspective on Homosexuality” by Layton Williams

Glossary of Terms

Ally’s Guide to Terminology

“7 Tips for Discussing Difficult Issues” by Thomas Aitken

 

VIDEOS

Living the RIC Journey; Reflections from Lutheran Churches

The Realities of the Gay Lifestyle (3.5 min)

Christian Parents Rethink LGBT Inclusion (4 min)

God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships (< 5 min)

Can you be Gay and Christian? (10 minutes)

The Journey of a Gay Christian (17 minutes)

Voices of Witness: Out of the Box (27 min)
A groundbreaking documentary giving voice to the witness of transgender people of faith courageously telling their stories of hope, healing, and wholeness.

 

MUSIC VIDEOS

Music speaks to us so elegantly and beautifully.  May the following combination of songs of faith and songs performed by LGBTQIA performers touch your heart and soul, and inspire all of us to actively live the “ALL are Welcome” credo.

“Come To The Table” by Sidewalk Prophets

“All Belong Here” by The Many

“Come As You Are” by The Many

“These Bodies” by The Many

“Hey Jesus” by Trey Pearson

“Embrace Diversity” by Markus Christian

“Give Me Faith” by Elevation Worship

“Angels Woulds Fall” by Melissa Etheridge

“How Do You Sleep?” by Sam Smith

“Take Me to Church” by Hozier

“Change” by Tracy Chapman

“Androgynous” by Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett & Laura Jane Grace

“Broken Body of Christ” by The Many

“My Testimony” by Elevation Worship

We Want to Hear from You

In building upon our welcoming and supportive community we invite you to be heard, either via a 1:1 listening session with one of our RIC team members or by submitting your questions and comments via our Question / Comments form. All listening sessions, questions and comments will be kept in confidence.

Bethel Lutheran Church