St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
More than Inclusion
At St. Andrew's, we recognize the ways that Christian groups have harmed LGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones... and unfortunately continue to do so. It's not enough to just say "All Are Welcome." St. Andrew's celebrates more than just inclusion, but also leadership from LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
Reconciled in Christ
In 2014, St. Andrew's completed the requirements to become a Reconciled in Christ (RIC) congregation. This distinction is for Lutheran churches that commit to "ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work and support the national [RIC] program." As part of our RIC commitment, we weave the following into every aspect of our worship, events, and community interactions:
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To keep expanding the welcome, liberating those who are forced to live in the margins. To keep dismantling barriers and building bridges.
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To keep working until all of God's beloved have equity.
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Advocate for the acceptance, full participation, and liberation of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions within the Lutheran Church.
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Believe that God values and embraces each person as a beloved child, that the Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good, and that Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice.
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Clearly state a welcome to people of “all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions” or “LGBTQIA+” and name its commitment to "racial equity" or "anti-racism" in its welcome statement.
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Be open to calling an LGBTQIA+ and Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) Rostered Leader.
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Allow sanctuary/community space/ to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.
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Make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program.
You are welcome here!
Want to learn more about Reconciling Works, or find an RIC church in your area? Click here.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our church, please feel free to contact us. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 am - 1 pm.
