- 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture
This feature documentary reveals how anti-LGBTQIA+ policies and propaganda were made possible by a mistranslation of the Bible in 1946 when a group of men worked on what became the Revised Standard Version translation of scripture. For the first time in any language the word “homosexual” was used to translate words in a list of things Christians couldn’t do . . . or be. It chronicles the discovery of archives at Yale University that cast significant doubt on the linguistic basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice in Christians. It features interviews and commentary from Biblical scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators. 1946 is at once challenging, enlightening, and inspiring. The film is available for screenings and individual rentals. Download our 1946 Reflection Questions to help you process, ponder, and create clarity.
CAUTION: For many Queer folk growing up in the final three decades of the 20th century, there may be portions of this film that trigger big feelings and memories that are traumatic. 
Lutheran Introduction To Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, & Gender Expression
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community. The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program of ReconcilingWorks is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations that publicly welcome LGBTQIA+ people. As a way to deepen and expand that welcome, we offer this resource as a basic introduction to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.- Asexuality: an Introduction to the Asexual and Aromantic Spectrums
Asexual is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction toward any gender. This resource explains both the asexual and aromantic spectrums and is designed to work alongside the "Lutheran Introduction to LGBTQIA+ People and Their Families" resource. - Aging and the LGBTQIA+ Community by Rev. Heather Thonvold, BCC
Discussing the important considerations for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ people as they age, this resource helps accompany family, friends, and caregivers as they navigate conversations around care needs for their loved ones. Walking through documentation, choosing care settings, and legacy planning, "Aging and the LGBTQIA+ Community" can help provide the tools needed for these meaningful conversations. - Clunky Questions: LGBTQIA+ Lutherans and Pastors Answer Common Questions
In our work, we often hear people with good intentions feel they aren't able to ask questions about what it means to be LGBTQIA+ because they are afraid of offending someone or they don't have the right words with which to ask. If this sounds familiar, or if your faith community is interested in how to better support LGBTQIA+ Lutherans, then the "Clunky Questions" series is for you. - An Ally's Guide to Terminology
The words we use to talk about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and issues can have a powerful impact on our conversations. The right words can help open people’s hearts and minds, while others can create distance or confusion. For example, the abbreviation “LGBT” is commonly used within the movement for lesbian, gay, bi and transgender equality, but it can be confusing and alienating to people who don’t understand what it means (for many media and mainstream audiences, the term gay and transgender is more accessible without being overwhelming). Designed for new allies who want to support LGBT Americans but often face an array of confusing terminology and language, this short guide offers an overview of essential vocabulary, terms to avoid, and a few key messages for talking about various issues. - Talking About LGBT Equality with Latinos and Hispanics
As ReconcilingWorks is working to get our resources translated into Spanish, the Movement Advancement Project has excellent resources to support extended learning in Spanish.
- Extending Hospitality to People of All Gender Identities and Gender Expressions
The 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly passed the two following pieces of legislation. This resource seeks to provide guidance to synods and the churchwide organization as it employs more inclusive language. - Transmission Ministry Collective
Transmission Ministry Collective is an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender and gender-expansive Christians. - Transforming: Updated and Expanded Edition with Study Guide: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians
In 2014, Time magazine announced that America had reached "the transgender tipping point," suggesting that transgender issues would become the next civil rights frontier. Years later, many people - even many LGBTQIA+ allies - still lack an understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Into this void, trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology. This new edition offers updated terminology and statistics, plus new materials for congregational study, preaching, and pastoral care. Transforming deftly weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world. - Sample Name Tag with Pronouns Template
Extend hospitality to our LGBTQIA+ siblings by incorporating pronouns into your name tags. Perfect for faith communities or special events.
