Our Saviour's will hold a Congregational Meeting in April 2025 to consider approval of our Welcome Statement and then submit it to be recognized as a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program in the ELCA 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. This program was created because throughout history, many Christian spaces and communities have been closed or unwelcoming to lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer-identifying people. In more recent years, the RIC program has expanded their focus to include commitments to being anti-racist and working for racial equity. Across the Lutheran church there are congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations that have become Reconciling in Christ. Across the country, over 1,100 Lutheran communities are Reconciling in Christ. In Tucson, there are three Reconciling in Christ congregations and several more, like ours, are exploring becoming RIC.
The Steps
Spring 2024, the Congregation Council voted unanimously to begin the process of becoming Reconciling in Christ.
Summer 2024, a core team was formed and began learning how to lead a congregation through the process of becoming Reconciling in Christ.
Fall 2024, the RIC team led Sunday Forums and provided additional resources and opportunities to learn about why public welcome for LGBTQ+ people matters.
Feb 2025, the congregation took a straw poll, with 90% indicating support for becoming Reconciling in Christ.
March 2025, the Congregation Council called for a Special Meeting on April 6 to consider a new Welcome Statement and moving forward with becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation.