The Reconciling in Christ process
was initiated by Don & Gerri Huffman in November 2003. The Church
Council approved the development of a RIC Task Group to evaluate the
disposition of St. Luke’s towards developing a Statement of Welcome and
Affirmation for people of all sexual orientations and to become an RIC
congregation. The Task Group members for this process were Adam
Cartwright, Katie English, Marcia Gunderson, Don & Gerri Huffman,
Heather O’Reilly, Pastor Larson and Pastor Minnick.
Initially we assessed the
congregation’s overall temperament by having staff, council and our task
group complete a twenty-five-question worksheet. From there we developed
our education and learning curriculum and process. It was determined
that we would provide information in the Messenger; in the Sunday
Bulletin; a mailing to each member’s home; provide books, pamphlets,
videos for personal use; and conduct a 6 week education/discussion
series which would culminate in a vote by St. Luke’s members. Throughout
the process we encouraged “feedback” from the congregation. We received
both positive and negative comments about the process and its purpose.
The RIC education series was
conducted weekly from Monday, April 19th through Sunday, May 16th. An
Adult Forum allowing for question and discussion before the June13th
Congregational meeting and vote was conducted on June 6th. During our
series the following topics were presented: “Personal Reflections on
Being a Homosexual Christian” by friends and members of St. Luke’s; “Use
of Scripture for Moral Deliberation on Social Issues” by Pr. Troy
Hedrick; “Homosexual People in the Church” by Dr. Steven Warner; “The
Benefits of Being a Church Reconciling in Christ” by Marianne & George
Avery and a couple of members of their congregation; “Understanding
Homosexuality: The Basics” by Dr. Kelly Ducheny.
At Our Special Congregational
Meeting on Sunday, June13th, 82% of those present voiced their support
for the RIC Statement of Welcome. Over 180 people were present,
including visitors and prospective new members when the meeting was
called to order. When the vote was taken 152 ballots were distributed –
125 voting in favor; 23 opposed; 3 abstained; 1 not readable. Below is
the adopted St. Luke’s Statement of Welcome:
We hereby declare St. Luke’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Park Ridge to be a congregation
“Reconciling in Christ” and thereby joining the community of RIC
congregations by affirming the following Statement of Welcome:
St. Luke’s, as a community of
the people of God, affirms its intention to openly welcome and value
every person who comes to our church regardless of race, national and
ethnic origin, age, physical, mental and emotional condition or
capacity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, economic situation
and addiction.
We affirm that we are all
unique individuals created by God, in need of God’s forgiveness, and
worthy of God’s love and mercy. All persons named and unnamed above are
welcome within the membership of our congregation upon making the same
affirmation of faith that all other members make.
The RIC Task Group (Adam
Cartwright, Norm & Elsie Duncan, Katie English, Don & Gerri Huffman,
Pastor Larson, Pastor Minnick, Nancy Olson and Dan Schwick) continues to
assist St. Luke’s as we carry out Christ’s command to “love one another
as I have loved you.” If anyone has an interest to be involved in this
ministry and/or has suggestions for this ministry, please contact any
member of the Task Group.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerri and Don Huffman, Co-Chairs of the RIC Task Group
