Reconciling Works

On February 6, Thrivent Financial implemented a “neutrality” policy that removed ReconcilingWorks and our partner in ministry Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries from its benevolence programs. This decision was made by a small management team, not by the membership or board of Thrivent.

The reason given for the change was our programming focus on sexual orientation which we were told, has “the potential to distract” their members from Thrivent’s mission to promote financial health and inspire generosity.

I had been waiting for this moment for more than 25 years. I was pretty relaxed, but praying that the Holy Spirit would guide my words. I only had six minutes. I wasn’t alone. Pastor Jen Rude from Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries and recently ordained Pastor Jason Glombiki sat on the panel with me, addressing the […]

Life at the Intersection | The Last Bastion of Fictional Heterosexuality: Shout OUT to Sam and Collins Michael Cobbler, Co-Director of Committee for Working at the Intersection of Oppressions February 28, 2014 On this last day on Black History Month, I would like to give a “shout-out” to two athletes – Michael Sam, and Jason Collins. Michael […]

Mike was checking blog posts from his alma mater, when he came across an entry from Jack, a gay student in his first year. The young man had experienced bullying based on supposed “Christian values.” Loneliness and isolation prevailed in his classes and dorm life. Like so many LGBT youth, Jack had trouble reconciling his […]