Reconciling In Christ Team
Welcome Statement
You are a beloved child of God who is unique and special. You are respected and accepted for who you are, with all your differences and gifts, including: sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, ability, culture, and economic status. Join us in acts of reconciliation and joyful celebration of our diversity, not only as members of our faith community but as volunteers and leaders.
We stand together against the prejudice of the LGBTQIA+ community and for anti-racism, indigenous respect, environmental justice, anti-trafficking, and on behalf of all those marginalized in our society.
By working together and being open with each other, we develop our faith and follow the example of Christ by humbly
loving one another as God loves all of us.
What is RIC?
What is RIC? Reconciling In Christ is a designation within the ELCA that is a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Here at Messiah we live into that call through our RIC weekend every January, learning as a community through book studies (listed below), and engaging in the wider LGBTQIA+ community through supporting pride events.
Photo is of Messiah Lutheran members at the First Annual Pride Parade at Glacial Drumlin Middle School in Cottage Grove in 2024.
Messiah Becomes an RIC Congregation
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community.
On January 28, 2024, Messiah Lutheran Church adopted the Welcome Statement above and joined the national network of Reconciling in Christ Partners.
Book Studies
Messiah has engaged in two book studies related to the intersection of the LGBTQIA+ community and their full welcome in the Lutheran Church. The titles of the books we have read are below. A copy may be borrowed from the Social Justice Library in the Meeting Room on the Lower Level of the church.
- One Coin Found - Emmy Kegler, ELCA pastor
- Transforming - Austen Hartke, ELCA pastor
Pride Parade
Messiah members participated in the First Annual Pride Parade at Glacial Drumlin Middle School in Cottage Grove in 2024.
