What does RIC mean?
Reconciling in Christ
Where Love Makes Space
At Christ Lutheran Church, we believe that every person is created in the image of God and beloved beyond measure.
As a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, we publicly welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions into the full life and ministry of our church.
That means LGBTQIA+ persons are welcomed not only to attend worship, but to fully participate in every aspect of congregational life—including leadership, service, fellowship, marriage, baptism, communion, and ministry.
What Does "Reconciling in Christ" Mean?
Reconciling in Christ is a movement within the Lutheran tradition that encourages congregations to make a clear and public commitment to hospitality, inclusion, and justice for LGBTQIA+ people and others who have often experienced exclusion.
The word reconciling comes from our belief that Christ is always at work reconciling people to God and to one another.
Our commitment is rooted not in politics, but in our understanding of the Gospel.
Why Does This Matter?
For many people, church has been a place of deep love and belonging.
For others, church has been a place of hurt, rejection, silence, or fear.
We believe the Church is called to be a place where all people can encounter the grace of God without having to hide who they are.
Jesus consistently moved toward those who had been excluded, marginalized, judged, or overlooked. He widened the circle of belonging. He broke down barriers. He reminded people of their worth and dignity as beloved children of God.
We seek to follow that same example.
What We Believe
We believe:
No.
We recognize that faithful Christians sometimes arrive at different conclusions on matters of sexuality and gender.
Being a Reconciling in Christ congregation does not require everyone to think alike. It does mean that we commit to treating one another with dignity, respect, compassion, and love.
We believe we can be a community where questions are welcomed, conversations are held with grace, and people are valued even when they see things differently.
A Word About Discomfort
Sometimes inclusion stretches us.
Sometimes hearing another person's story challenges assumptions we have carried for a long time.
We believe the Holy Spirit often works in those moments.
Discomfort is not the same thing as marginalization. While growth can sometimes feel uncomfortable, creating safety and belonging for people who have historically been excluded does not diminish anyone else's place in the community.
Love is not a limited resource.
When we make more room at the table, we do not take away anyone's seat. Instead, we become a fuller reflection of the Kingdom of God.
Our Promise
At Christ Lutheran Church, we strive to be a place where:
Real People. Real Faith. Real Grace.
A place where questions are welcomed.
A place where healing is possible.
A place where faith and authenticity can coexist.
A place where love makes space.
Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome here.
As a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, we publicly welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions into the full life and ministry of our church.
That means LGBTQIA+ persons are welcomed not only to attend worship, but to fully participate in every aspect of congregational life—including leadership, service, fellowship, marriage, baptism, communion, and ministry.
What Does "Reconciling in Christ" Mean?
Reconciling in Christ is a movement within the Lutheran tradition that encourages congregations to make a clear and public commitment to hospitality, inclusion, and justice for LGBTQIA+ people and others who have often experienced exclusion.
The word reconciling comes from our belief that Christ is always at work reconciling people to God and to one another.
Our commitment is rooted not in politics, but in our understanding of the Gospel.
Why Does This Matter?
For many people, church has been a place of deep love and belonging.
For others, church has been a place of hurt, rejection, silence, or fear.
We believe the Church is called to be a place where all people can encounter the grace of God without having to hide who they are.
Jesus consistently moved toward those who had been excluded, marginalized, judged, or overlooked. He widened the circle of belonging. He broke down barriers. He reminded people of their worth and dignity as beloved children of God.
We seek to follow that same example.
What We Believe
We believe:
- God's love is for everyone.
- Every person bears the image of God.
- The Holy Spirit continues to work through diverse people and experiences.
- Differences do not have to divide us.
- The Church is strongest when all people can bring their full selves into community.
- Grace is bigger than fear.
- Belonging comes before agreement.
- There is room at God's table for everyone.
No.
We recognize that faithful Christians sometimes arrive at different conclusions on matters of sexuality and gender.
Being a Reconciling in Christ congregation does not require everyone to think alike. It does mean that we commit to treating one another with dignity, respect, compassion, and love.
We believe we can be a community where questions are welcomed, conversations are held with grace, and people are valued even when they see things differently.
A Word About Discomfort
Sometimes inclusion stretches us.
Sometimes hearing another person's story challenges assumptions we have carried for a long time.
We believe the Holy Spirit often works in those moments.
Discomfort is not the same thing as marginalization. While growth can sometimes feel uncomfortable, creating safety and belonging for people who have historically been excluded does not diminish anyone else's place in the community.
Love is not a limited resource.
When we make more room at the table, we do not take away anyone's seat. Instead, we become a fuller reflection of the Kingdom of God.
Our Promise
At Christ Lutheran Church, we strive to be a place where:
Real People. Real Faith. Real Grace.
A place where questions are welcomed.
A place where healing is possible.
A place where faith and authenticity can coexist.
A place where love makes space.
Whoever you are, and wherever you find yourself on the journey of faith, you are welcome here.