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Reconciling in Christ
Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.*
In May 2023, Calvary’s Congregational Council voted to begin the Reconciling in Christ process to develop a welcome statement and educate the congregation on why this is an important commitment for the Church today. A welcome statement is one of the four public commitments a congregation needs to make to receive the designation “Reconciling in Christ.” To lead this effort, a Core Team has been appointed to begin this work. Check back here and in Calvary’s newsletter for more resources as they become available!
Core Team Members
Synodical Deacon Tanya Lee Behnke
Daisy Bushman
Bill Bushman
Megan Conklin
Tom Dyer
Synodical Deacon Bob Lewis
What are the four commitments of RIC?
Four public commitments:*
1. Clearly state a welcome to all people with a statement that meets certain criteria.
2. Be open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color pastor or deacon.
3. Allow the congregation’s worship space to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.
4. Make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program.
Guess what? Calvary already meets half of these commitments! In the past, Calvary has called a pastor who is openly gay, and there have been same gender weddings at Calvary. While the congregation is inclusive, the public proclamation gained by becoming Reconciling in Christ ensures that people outside of the congregation are aware of this fact.
*the commitments and RIC history are from the ReconcilingWorks website.
Read more here!
What does “reconciling” mean?
Reconcile: to restore friendly relations between.
For too long, the Church has not been a place of welcome for all people. Oftentimes, the Church has (at best) tolerated the presence of those deemed “different,” while not necessarily affirming their identities as God given and, at worst, outright condemned those of different sexualities or gender identities. To be reconciled means to have done the work of unlearning theology handed down that harms others, and to learn how the holy scripture testifies to a God who loves and creates all people in splendid diversity.
Educational Forums
In 2024, two forums were held with guest speakers from the LGBTQIA+ community!
One forum, by Ellis Farmer, formerly of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Patchogue (prior to his move out of town), spoke to the importance of being a publicly affirming community. The "why" of becoming RIC was the focus of this forum.
Another forum, by Jennifer Lehman of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in King of Prussia, PA, centered on the experience of transgender Christians and the need for affirming communities of faith.
Both of these well-attended forums have played a role in creating space for all at Calvary!
Book Study
Lutherans are Christians who take scripture seriously. With that, we need to deal with the parts of the Bible that have too often been used to condemn and attack the LGBTQIA+ community. "God and the Gay Christian," a book by Matthew Vines, was our tool to help the community on this topic. An out, gay, Christian author, Vines sets these verses in the historical contexts in a people-centered approach to scripture. Rather than using the Bible to determine what love looks like, this book helped us to center love and people, and use that approach to read the Bible.
Video Forums
Twice in fall of 2024, video forums were held exploring ReconcilingWorks' two seasons of "Clunky Questions," a humorous video series focusing on awkward questions people in the LGBTQIA+ community are often asked. You can watch those videos here! Ranging from, "How do you know you are gay?" to "You're LGBTA and a pastor! How does that work?" and "Is this a gay church now?" these questions help many people learn more and open their hearts and minds to all people who are created in the image of God.
In the summer of 2024, Calvary became a listed congregation on gaychurch.org where those seeking affirming faith communities can browse and find one near them!
Pride Worship
The church has various commemorations throughout the year, and an annual worship commemorating Pride is an important way for us to publicly name and claim our congregation's welcome for all people. We light candles, sing hymns of love, and pray that the church's doors would widen for all people. ReconcilingWorks publishes worship resources for this occasion annually written by members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The icon (image) on the altar is by artist Kelly Latimore and depicts the Holy Trinity as three women of color gathered around a table draped with a Pride flag.
Pride Parade
Marching in Pride with other houses of worship is an important show of solidarity with those who do not have faith communities that affirm their God-given identities. Pastor Zach marched in 2024 Patchogue Pride with Pastor Claire Repsholdt of Our Saviour Lutheran, Patchogue, and Deacon Tanya attended Long Island Pride 2024 with Pinecrest Lutheran Leadership Ministries!
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