Information Sessions in January 2023

The RLC Inclusion Task Force will hold information sessions on the council-approved Welcome Statement and Reconciling in Christ process. They will be held on two dates:

Jan. 29 In-Person

Sunday, Jan. 29 at 9:00 and 10:30 am. (Room assignment TBD)

Feb. 2 Via Zoom

Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7:00 pm via Zoom. (Link coming soon).

Please come with any questions you may have about the welcome statement or the process in general and we will have discussion together. www.rosevilleutheran.org/lgbtq-inclusion

Invitation to Attend
and Background Info

Proposed Welcome Statement

This Welcome Statement was approved by the RLC Council at the July 21, 2022 Council meeting. This was also presented at the RLC Annual Meeting held on Sunday, August 28, 2022. 

"Welcome!

Called by Jesus, Roseville Lutheran Church welcomes you with open arms, minds, and hearts.  We are all beloved children of God, and we celebrate each other completely:  all ages, abilities, races and ethnicities; all sexualities, gender identities and expressions; all family circumstances, and experiences.  

RLC pledges our authentic welcome and hospitality.  We commit to learn, to grow, and to undo oppressive norms that divide us, while we humbly strive to dismantle barriers to racial, social, and economic justice.

Following Christ’s example, let us love God and our neighbor together."

LGBTQ+ Inclusion at RLC

The ultimate purpose of this task force is to guide and facilitate the congregation through the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) process. This process has four potential outcomes:

• create an inclusive welcome statement
• develop policy and practices
• vote to become an RIC congregation
• add our church to the RIC website as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people

Inclusive church practices are not just about LGBTQ+ people: these practices are for all of us. When we create inclusive practices, not only do we live our values as Christians and RLC members, but we also benefit from these practices through the practice of empathy and understanding, through richer relationships, and through the unforeseen ways these practices will support our individual growth.

Resources/Blog

Learn more, hear stories, and better understand acronyms and terminology on our Inclusion Blog.

Our Vision

This team is creatively imagining ways to facilitate conversation, bridge divides, and understand what we stand for as a community and congregation: throughout this process the importance of relationships will be emphasized. Areas of discussion will include:

• hiring and human resources practices
• same-sex marriage
• worship services
• youth programming
• advocacy

Join Us

Be a part of the conversation in these ways: 

• Provide feedback about the Reconciling in Christ process at RLC via our Feedback Form 
• Look for opportunities to participate in educational and community events
• Contact us at  to get involved or if you want to talk to someone on the Task Force

ReconcilingWorks

The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) process is supported by ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation. "ReconcilingWorks is an independent, Lutheran organization that since 1974 has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual/aromantic Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community."

Some Points on the Timeline

Feb. 2, 2023: Welcome Statement Information Session - Sunday, Jan. 29 at 9:00 and 10:30 am.

Jan. 29, 2023: Welcome Statement Information Session - Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7:00 pm via Zoom.

Oct. 31, 2021: Dr. James Boyce led our Adult Education forum "Hearing Scriptures on Loving the Neighbor" at 10:10 am, Sunday Oct. 31.

Jan. 25, 2021: Pr. Chris Hagen gave an overview of the associate pastor call process and the Ministry Site Profile Task Force timeline. Next steps: help create survey questions to include in future MSP survey. Assist with draft statements for the narrative component of the MSP.

Jan. 11, 2021: First meeting - introductions, understanding RIC process, decision to focus on an inclusive upcoming clergy call process at RLC.