Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in San Francisco is the 500th congregation to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, an exciting milestone for intentional inclusion in the Lutheran Church. Recently, the congregational council unanimously approved their welcome statement and are happy to be included on the RIC website for people seeking a supportive church.
When the statement was read during worship, everyone clapped, and a party is scheduled for later in the year to celebrate the RIC status. The Rev. Megan Rohrer, the first openly transgender head pastor of a Lutheran church, said, “We hope visitors and members will learn more about our congregation and about God’s full welcome to all. Regardless of how people identify, we hope they’ll feel welcome and join us.”
Members recently displayed a large rainbow made up of handprints of the babies in the infant care center, announcing the good news that Grace is the 500th congregation in the RIC movement.
The Rev. Dr. Patrick H. Shebeck, pastor of St. Paul–Reformation Lutheran (St. Paul, Minnesota)—the first RIC congregation—welcomed Grace, saying “Our work today is as important as it was when the program started in 1984. St. Paul–Reformation is delighted to welcome Grace Evangelical Lutheran in San Francisco, California, as the 500th RIC congregation. We are so glad you are here! Together, we are excited to move with Grace and all RIC congregations, synods, and institutions into the next phase of our call to live fully into the promises made to all in baptism.”
YOU can help continue to expand the number of RIC settings in your state or province.
- As little as $5 helps us send RIC resources to a prospective congregation!
- $50 provides a welcome packet to a new RIC community.
- And $90 sends two people to a Building an Inclusive Church training.
How many settings can you help grow?
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