Did you know 90% of the financial support for the RIC program is made possible by individual gifts? As we celebrate PRIDE it is an important time to affirm and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Now is a great time to give and deepen your relationship with ReconcilingWorks. Together with a financial gift you and ReconcilingWorks will partner to support people of faith as we use our voices to speak out against discrimination. Make your gift today!
As people of faith, our support of the LGBTQIA+ community is more critical than ever. As more states double down on LGBTQIA+ discrimination, your voice and the voice of your faith community have a tremendous impact on the safety of LGBTQIA+ people. LGBTQIA+ do not have federal protections for public accommodation. This means it is up to individual cities, counties, and states to create nondiscrimination laws and policies based on gender identity and sexual orientation. What this means is that LGBTQIA+ people can be denied access to simple things like having a bakery make their wedding cake or photography for their wedding. It also means more impactful access to essential accommodations like housing, life-saving medical care, and access to skilled nursing facilities. This PRIDE, take the time to utilize the following ReconcilingWorks resources to support you in the holy work of justice:
- Online Trainings - such as "Let's Talk about SOGIE!"
- Lutheran Guide to Advocate for LGBTQIA+ People in Church and Society
- Reconciling Scripture for Lutherans - On Sexuality and Gender Identity
- Bathroom Bills Frequently Asked Questions
- Letter to the Editor Guide
- Religious Freedom & Equality Act Frequently Asked Questions
As you look to make your month of PRIDE as welcoming and celebratory of our LGBTQIA+ people, take a look at our PRIDE 2024 worship resource! Resources will continue to be added as June 2024 approaches. Fill out the Google Sign-Up HERE, to get the following:
- PRIDE 2024 Worship Resource: Finding Your Voice: Celebrating Diversity is a triumphant act of self-discovery, mirroring the LGBTQIA+ community's ongoing rally toward liberation. Both journeys demand a brave declaration of your authentic self. This PRIDE worship service (liturgy) resonates with this spirit, creating a sanctuary where LGBTQIA+ individuals can celebrate the vibrant tapestry of their identities and faith. Here, they find not just acceptance but a chorus of joy and belonging.
- PRIDE Guide: Preparing for your local Pride festivities is important if you hope to be a visible presence in your community through parades, booths, or other celebrations taking place during PRIDE. Check out the helpful tips and support through ReconcilingWorks' PRIDE Guide.
- Children’s Ministry: Including opportunities for engagement of all ages during PRIDE is a helpful way to honor the fullness of LGBTQIA+ people. ReconcilingWorks has added a handful of children's ministry activity sheets.
Wear your PRIDE on your sleeve this PRIDE by purchasing a shirt or sweatshirt! ReconcilingWorks has over a dozen designs to choose from to help you share your support of LGBTQIA+ people and your commitment to justice. The proceeds of these shirts are used to deepen and expand the ministry of ReconcilingWorks. Order yours today!
Created originally for the ELCA Youth Gathering, ReconcilingWorks hopes these displays can be used throughout PRIDE (or all year round) to display these images in your narthex, fellowship hall, or throughout your building as an education piece and conversation starter. Download your free display here! These images are best suited for 17 x 11 prints.
