An Affirming Faith Community

At Bethany Lutheran Church, we believe God's love is expansive and unconditional, embracing every single person without exception. That's why we are proud to be a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) partner church – a public and intentional commitment to being a welcoming and affirming place for all. 

Our Heartfelt Welcome to You

No matter where you are on your faith journey, who you love, or how you identify, you belong here. Our welcome isn't just words; it's woven into the very fabric of our community. We invite you to experience a place where you can bring your whole self, find spiritual nourishment, connect with others, and grow in faith.

As our Welcome Statement beautifully articulates:

"We are called by Jesus to love God and one another, to practice inclusive hospitality, and to serve all without stipulations. Each of us is a unique and beloved child of God. We welcome you just as you are, with all your differences and all your gifts. We affirm the sacredness of people of every race, culture, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, physical and mental ability, socioeconomic position, family status, background, and faith journey. We commit to the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care. We invite you to Bethany Lutheran Church as we embrace the diversity of God’s creation and celebrate our oneness in Christ."

What Does Reconciling in Christ Mean?

Being an RIC church isn't just a label; it's a reflection of our deep-seated values and a promise we live by. It means we have undergone a discernment process, publicly declared our commitment to welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families, and actively work to dismantle barriers and promote equity within our congregation and the wider community.

Specifically, as a Reconciling in Christ partner, Bethany Lutheran Church:

  • Affirms God's unconditional love for all people, celebrating the diversity of human creation.

  • Welcomes LGBTQIA+ individuals to participate fully in all aspects of church life, including leadership, sacraments, and ministry.

  • Works for justice and inclusion, advocating for the rights and dignity of all people in the church and society.

  • Is committed to ongoing education and dialogue about issues of justice and faith.

This commitment is a natural extension of our belief that every person is a beloved child of God, created in God's image, and gifted for ministry.