UDLC Welcome Statement
As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church are called by God to follow in Jesus’ example of unconditional hospitality and to extend our welcome to all who are seeking God’s love and grace. Everyone is a unique and beloved child of God, made in God’s image, and we accept and affirm each person just as they are. Our unity in Christ and our belief in Jesus’ teachings of acceptance guide us as we celebrate and welcome all people with varied race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, relationship status, age, immigration status, nationality, neurodiversity, ability, language, economic circumstance, or family configuration. We acknowledge, respect, and open our hearts to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we seek to create a loving community in which we practice graceful engagement with one another, advocate for those who have historically been marginalized, and set an example in our community and world of how Christ intended for us to treat one another. We commit, as a congregation, to the ongoing work of anti-racism and racial justice, social and economic justice, and creation care, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Our differences are a strength of our community and a blessing from God. We gratefully receive all God has given us and seek to bring together one extended family in Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reconciling in Christ?
The purpose of the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is to: ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work; and support the national program. You can find out more at www.reconcilingworks.org.
When was the RIC program started and why?
Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been 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. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations. The purpose of the RIC Program is to ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work and support the national program.
What is the relationship between ReconcilingWorks, the ELCA, and the ELCIC?
ReconcilingWorks is an independently organized 501(c)(3) organization. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) formally recognize ReconcilingWorks as an “Independent Lutheran Organization,” affirming their collaborative work in reaching out to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic people. They advocate for change within institutional churches to ensure that all rites, sacraments, and ministries of the Church are open to all.