ReconcilingWorks is a non-profit organization that walks alongside the Lutheran church (ELCA) to advocate for the LGBTQ community.
There are many ways for churches and community members to get involved.
One is to help their church have the conversation about how to be a welcoming congregation. This can lead to the congregation deciding to be listed on the roster of Reconciling in Christ congregations, which have public welcome statements affirming their welcome to the LGBTQ community.
We have also helped provide a presence of loving and welcoming Lutherans at local LGBTQ Pride events. This can be a powerful statement of celebrating the diversity of God's family.
We have provided training and education opportunities for local communities on marriage equality and welcoming the trans community.
Other ways we can work towards the mission of ReconcilingWorks are by working to dismantle racism and other oppression, or by walking with local communities in their AIDS Walk events. Often, issues of racial justice and HIV stigma intersect with the LGBTQ community. These are our issues too. God's welcome is for all, regardless of racial or ethnic origin, housing status, or HIV status.
Our work can be described by four strategic initiatives:
- Deepening and expanding our Reconciling in Christ programs
- Dismantling injustice based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, and other social categories through a Lutheran faith lens
- Building and strengthening relationships within the ELCA and the ELCIC
- Sustainably funding the mission
