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St. Mark Lutheran Church affirms the boundless love of God for all of God's children. All people are welcome to worship with us, to join our congregation, to participate in the mission and ministry to which God is calling us in our community, and to share in all aspects of our life together as the people of God.
As a reconciling in Christ congregation, we specifically affirm:
- That gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons are beloved children of God
- That gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, partners, and families are welcome to share in the full fellowship we all enjoy as brothers and sisters in Christ.
- That gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, partners, and families are welcome to participate in all aspects of the life and ministry of St. Mark Lutheran Church as members of the congregation
For more information on the Reconciling in Christ program, please visit the website of Reconciling Works. |
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January 25, 2008
The ecumenical community which welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities celebrates the fourth Sunday of January each year as “welcoming” Sunday. In the Lutheran tradition, we call this day RIC Sunday.
Begun in 1983, Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is a program for Lutheran communities of faith to answer the inclusive call of the Gospel by welcoming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Currently, there are over 400 settings of the Lutheran church on the RIC roster, including congregations, campus ministries, synods of the ELCA and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, one camp, other independent organizations, and colleges of the ELCA. Additional information about the RIC program, including a complete listing of RIC settings and resources for personal and congregational use, are available on-line at the website.
RIC Leadership Trainings are held several times each year to help folks from RIC or prospective RIC congregations learn how to work with church members to discern if a congregation wishes to “come out of the closet” about welcoming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you are interested in attending such an event, check out the website and click on RIC Training. |
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St. Mark is also included in the "Welcoming" Church Directory maintained by the GALIP Foundation as a free ministerial service. Learn more at www.gaychurch.org. |
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