Reconciling in Christ (RIC)

A Resolution on Becoming a Reconciling in Christ Synod

Whereas the 2021 Arkansas Oklahoma Synod Assembly approved a resolution directing the Discipleship Team of the Synod Council to study the possibility of becoming a Reconciling in Christ Synod, and

Whereas the Discipleship Team created a task force to study this issue and come back with recommendations regarding this issue, and

Whereas this task force has met prayerfully over the past two years and has engaged the members of the Synod via group meetings across Arkansas, Oklahoma and the panhandle of Texas,

Be it resolved that the Arkansas Oklahoma Synod become a Reconciling in Christ Synod, affirming its welcome to all, and

Be it further resolved that the following be adopted as the welcome statement for the Synod, directing its activities and ministries:

The Arkansas Oklahoma Synod of the ELCA affirms that all people are beloved children of God, made in God’s image. Through the grace of God, we are a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Synod. We welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, genders, abilities, disabilities, races, ethnic identities, economic statuses, and backgrounds, to join in the life of our synod community.

We welcome all because God welcomes all, and we recognize that our differences are gifts to our communal life. We commit ourselves to ongoing education, honest reflection, discussion, and action on issues of sexuality, gender, racial equity, ethnicity, and other issues that can create division where we seek community.

We understand the congregations in our synod are in different places on this journey. Starting where each congregation is, we encourage all congregations to engage in similar conversations, including discussion of becoming Reconciling in Christ Congregations. We ask God’s Holy Spirit to guide us in living out this ministry of reconciliation with our siblings in Christ.

Be it further resolved that the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod create a Reconciling In Christ Team to aid congregations in understanding and having these discussions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • NO! This welcome statement and RIC status only applies at the synod level, not the congregational level. There are congregations as mentioned above that are already RIC or are working toward that, and we support them. And we have congregations that may become RIC someday but are not ready yet, and we support them. And there are congregations in this synod who will never become RIC, and we support them in their ministry and work of Christ. This will only affect congregations as much as they want to be affected.

  • It means that at the synod-level and at synod sponsored events we will work to be more welcoming and inclusive of all people. This means being aware of our language in publications, in worship, and on forms that we honor a variety of gender expressions and family make ups. A lot of this has already been done as most of you opted to include your pronouns when registering for assembly; we encouraged congregations to have voting members of 2 different genders, and on forms for events for youth, we ask for primary and secondary parent or guardian information. Most registration forms assume kids have two parents who are referred to as mom and dad and often that mom is the primary adult responsible for child care.

    It also means that at the synod-level we will look at ministries that we partner with and support to make sure that they have similar values and do not discriminate based on race, gender or sexuality. And that at as many events as possible, there is at least one gender inclusive bathroom so all people may have a safe place to pee.

  • Well, on one hand it doesn’t matter a whole lot, especially to people who have not felt marginalized or excluded from the church. You will still have a home here and you are a beloved child of God. But for those who have felt marginalized or excluded, it means that you also have a home here. That you are a beloved Child of God. And we, as the synod, will state that, claim that, declare that, and seek to affirm that in what we do together.

  • There are currently 29 synods in the ELCA and ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada). And as of Mid-March there are 1,015 partner ministries, which includes congregations, seminaries, campus ministries and camps. That’s about 11% of ELCA ministries, and by the way, that is about where we are at here in the AOK Synod.

  • That is Reconciling Works, which is a grass-roots, non-profit Lutheran organization that works alongside the ELCA and the ELCIC to support all expressions of the church as they work to welcome, include and advocate for LGBTQ+ Lutherans.

  • We currently have 4 congregations that are RIC. First in Tulsa, Good Shepherd in Fayetteville, Lord of Life in Edmond and Prince of Peace in Hot Springs. We also have several congregations currently in their own RIC process and are working towards creating their own welcome statement.

  • NO!, As was said at one of our first team meetings, it is Reconciling in Christ, not Reconciled. We are called to constantly work towards welcome and justice for all people. We are constantly learning and growing, adapting and changing, and sharing God’s love to all people.

    And because of that “ING” we still have more work to do now that we are RIC. If you would like to join our team going forward, please reach out to Bishop Becca (becca@aokelca.org). One way we hope to focus our energies in the coming year is on mental health first aid that affects people of all ages, races, sexuality and gender identities, but disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ youth.