FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQs such as:  What does it mean to become a Reconciling In Christ congregation?

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

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