Celebrating 30 years as an RIC Church – from Synod Council Member, Madelyn

The Metro D.C. Synod of the ELCA is celebrating 30 years as a Reconciling in Christ Church. Since 1974, Reconciling in Christ has been a program for all Lutheran organizations to “make a public commitment to welcome, include and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people” (reconcilingworks.org). As a synod, we feel called to open our doors to every person on a faith journey. As a sign of support for the LGBTQIA+ community, people from our synod march in the DC Pride Parade, allying themselves with the people around them. 

Today, on National Coming Out Day, we open our arms to welcome, include, and celebrate all LGBTQIA+ people. We are happy you are here. Let us know how we can support you in your relationship with Christ. 

My name is Madelyn. I am on synod council, I am in high school, and I am a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am also a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance at my school, where teens of various sexualities and gender identities come together in support of one another. I feel called to remind my friends that there are different Christian denominations that have programs such as Reconciling in Christ which seek to intentionally include and celebrate all sexualities and gender identities.

The Metro D.C. Synod of the ELCA will continue to celebrate all people, no matter their sexuality or gender identity and I am glad to be a part of this grand witness. No matter who you are, Christ loves you and so do we. 

#WeareMetroDC