Reconciling in Christ Process

Dear friends,

Earlier this year, many Immanuel members just like you participated in a Listening Process that set out to “start/strengthen relationships in the congregation and gain a variety of perspectives regarding welcome and extending hospitality at Immanuel and beyond.” When they completed their work, the Listening Team compiled a report that was shared in June. Among the team’s recommendations was “Pursuing the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) process and providing further educational opportunities will help the congregation put our mission statement into practice in more tangible, intentional ways.”

What is Reconciling in Christ (RIC)?

Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for ELCA faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. Through education and conversation, we will eventually craft a Welcome Statement that will be approved by our congregation. At that time, we will be a designated Reconciling in Christ congregation. Essentially, our Welcome Statement and our RIC status will be a public way that Immanuel can say we have done (and commit to continuing) communal work that fosters a safe, affirming faith community for LGBTQ+ people.

Who is leading Immanuel in this work?

The Congregation Council has recently appointed a Reconciling in Christ Task Force for Immanuel. The members of this team include Katie Bartelt, Elizabeth Boxell, Jens Hetzler, Lynel Hetzler, Pastor Carina Schiltz, Trevor Thom, and Brandon White. There will be additional people who help with tasks along the way, but this group makes up the core team that will lead Immanuel in this work.

When is this happening?

The process has already begun! After much preparation, this month of November begins an eight-month Education Phase. We will have a variety of opportunities for learning and conversation including small groups, showing a documentary/movie, panel discussion, special worship services, and more. Following this period of learning, the RIC Task Force will begin to draft Immanuel’s Welcome Statement. It will be shared with the congregation in late summer or early fall 2024, and we will have opportunities to discuss the statement extensively before a Special Meeting of the Congregation takes place to approve it in mid to late fall 2024.

So… why are we doing this?

The simple answer is that you, the congregation, have been asking for this! You’ve told us that being a place that is “accepting all unconditionally” matters. You’ve shared that you want more opportunities for adult learning. You’ve shown a desire for more small group opportunities and relationship building. We’re excited to do this work together in community with you, always with the Holy Spirit’s guidance!

- Your Immanuel RIC Task Force

“Immanuel sees itself as a place to belong, and we celebrate our history of acceptance. At the same time, church members want to learn how to be more welcoming, particularly to LGBTQ+ folks, neurodiverse folks, people with disabilities, and all ethnicities who live in the wider community.”

Listening Report

RIC Events

Helpful Resources

  • A Quick Note about These Resources

    As with any book, website, or resource, the views expressed in the content linked here do not necessarily reflect the views and understandings of the RIC Team or of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. These resources are meant to provide new perspectives and tools as we learn and grow together.

  • Links

    ReconcilingWorks

  • ELCA Social Teaching

    In 2009, the ELCA churchwide assembly passed the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. An introduction and brief summary have also been made available for you to read in a more digestible format.

    The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly authorized two aspects of the statement to be reconsidered, which you can learn more about here.

  • Books

  • Videos