As Council liaison to the Thoughts, Prayers and Actions Committee, I am pleased to share my perspectives and additional information regarding our journey toward becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. My husband and I were drawn to Bethany Lutheran Church because we could see visible signs that Bethany was an inclusive and welcoming place of worship for everyone. For me, becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation is a logical next step to ensure all people feel safe and welcome at Bethany.
I know that for many people, the process of becoming an RIC congregation comes with many questions. In many ways, the journey is similar to a family’s journey when a loved one shares that they identify as LGBTQ+. Even kindhearted people have questions about differences, and I hope that some of the information below will help answer some of the questions we have heard from congregation members.
- If Bethany is already welcoming and inclusive, why is it necessary to formally vote to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation?
Potential new members who are LGBTQ+ or people of color (POC) may look for the RIC designation on our website and literature as evidence that we offer a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Most places of worship proclaim that all are welcome, and all are loved as God’s children, but some of the same places of worship also have doctrines and policies that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people or have tried to change them. The RIC designation within the ELCA communicates that we are a safe and welcoming place to worship and participate as your authentic self.
- Are we the first congregation in the synod to become an RIC congregation?
Several years ago, we were one of the first congregations in the Northern Illinois Synod to begin the RIC process; however, we paused this work during the pandemic. When we restarted the process last year, we were pleased to learn that many other ELCA congregations now have the RIC designation, including Living Waters in Algonquin. Earlier this year, the Northern Illinois Synod Assembly voted to endorse the RIC designation, a vote which passed with 97%. We also learned that St. Barnabas in Cary is currently pursuing the RIC designation.
- What does the “+” stand for in “LGBTQ+” ?
The + stands for those in the LGBTQ community that don’t identify as lesbian (L), gay (G), bisexual (B), transgender (T), or queer (Q). This may include those who identify as non-binary, genderfluid, pansexual, asexual, or aromantic to name a few. It is an inclusive way to represent gender and sexual identities that letters and words cannot fully describe yet. The term “queer” is sometimes used as a synonym for LGBTQ+.
- Why do some people choose “they/them” as their pronouns? Why is a plural word used to reference an individual?
“They” and “them” are gender-neutral third-person pronouns that are often used to refer to someone who doesn’t identify as male or female. Using the pronouns preferred by an individual shows respect for their gender identity. Historically, they/them pronouns have been used in conversation by all of us when an individual or group’s gender is unknown. For example, “I got a call from the doctor today. What did they say?” Yet, we recognize that adjusting to they/them pronouns can be difficult and this change in language requires effort. For members who are struggling with the use of they/them pronouns, using someone’s name in conversation may be easier.
- Will you be looking at having POC and LGBTQ+ congregation leaders?
We have had and will continue to have congregation leaders who are members of the POC and LGBTQ+ communities, but we provide a safe space to allow them to share as they feel safe and comfortable.
- After we become an RIC congregation, what happens next? Are we working on any new ministry?
As an RIC member, our church would be posted on the RIC website and database as a safe place of worship for LGBTQ+ people and other minority groups. We would add an inclusive Welcome Statement to our website and list the designation. In terms of our existing ministries, the RIC designation will increase the authenticity of our participation in activities such as the pride parade in Woodstock.
I hope this information is helpful as we continue our journey toward becoming an RIC congregation. The Thoughts, Prayers and Actions Committee members are all available to answer any additional questions from congregation members. Please reach out to one of us if you have questions or suggestions as we prepare for our formal vote in January.
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