Reconciling in Christ (RIC): LGBTQIA+ Welcome Task Force
This RIC task force was approved by our Church Council at their December 12, 2024, meeting to generate recommendations regarding
measures to further strengthen Atonement’s welcome to all God’s people, and more specifically to the LGBTQIA+ community.
What is RIC?
The RIC Program is “a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender
identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church.” RIC’s Reconciling Works program is distinctly Lutheran but also includes an
ecumenical Coalition Leaders Group of 15 mainline protestant churches. (reconcilingworks.org)
Why is RIC Important?
First and most importantly – because God calls us to radical inclusivity and love. God has named and claimed us all as beloved (1 John 3:1a; 1 John 4:8-12).
The Holy Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-13). Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice in the world (Luke 4:16-21).
The task force goal in helping Atonement pursue RIC designation is to use this longstanding and recognized process and logo to more fully institutionalize and enact Atonement’s welcome to current and potential members of the congregation who identify as LGBTQIA+. While Atonement has already made significant steps toward meeting these benchmarks, including the approved Vision and Welcome Statements published each week in our bulletin, we believe our community can usefully and meaningfully pursue the process outlined by the RIC program for achieving “Partner” status.
A Practical Sign for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Although our vision and welcome statements are aligned with the embodiment of God’s radically inclusive love in Jesus Christ, we recognize that many LGBTQIA+ people have learned by experience that they are not truly welcome in church, even in churches which state, ‘All are welcome here!’ Thus, it can take special effort to communicate an authentic welcome to LGBTQIA+ people and many people will recognize the RIC logo.
What is the RIC process?
The RIC process requires that partner congregations meet four criteria: (1) state a welcome to LGBTQIA+ people and a commitment to racial equity or anti-racism; (2) be open to calling LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC rostered leaders; (3) allow sanctuary/community space to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings; and (4) make a meaningful annual contribution to support the national RIC program.
The RIC task force has done an initial assessment and hosted an educational forum. We are planning more education sessions, bulletin inserts during Pride Month, Guest preachers, a booth at the Boulder PrideFest and more.
Based on initial review of the RIC process and assessment tool, the RIC Task Force hopes our congregation will be able to complete the RIC process and bring the measure for approval at the January 2026 annual meeting.
Task Force Membership: There are currently 19 active members of the RIC Task Force including people of all ages, Atonement staff, clergy, council members (current and former) and members of the Anti-racism task force.
