What is Reconciling in Christ (RIC)?

  • A Reconciling in Christ (RIC) church is a church that supports LGBTQIA+, black, brown, and indigenous people.
  • RIC supports BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in our community and their families.
  • RIC advocates for the full welcome, inclusion, and equality for ALL Lutherans as equal members in the family of Christ.
  • By saying we are an RIC church, we are saying we are Lutherans working with the recognition that racism, sexism, able-ism, heterosexism, homophobia, and all the other artificial distinctions that seek to raise one group into privilege over another, conspire together to diminish that thought.
  • It builds on relationships through outreach and education and shares the Gospel message of equality.
  • RIC churches advocate for systems of change in policy and practice within church and society – working to alleviate the painful symptoms of oppression.
  • ReconcilingWorks (the organization sponsoring the RIC program for Lutheran congregations) is committed to strengthening all of God’s beloved for authentic, visible, faithful lives and to work for systemic changes within the church and society.

​English Lutheran voted on February 11, 2024 to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Please feel free to reach out to any of the RIC Team Members with questions or to learn more!

English Lutheran RIC Timeline & Activities Before the Vote

RIC Team Members
Monthly:
​Mar-Sep 2023:
​April 2023:
​May-Sep 2023:
​Sept-Oct 2023:
​February 2024:
​Ongoing:
RIC team meets every second Thursday of the month.
Ministry Moment testimonials written by RIC team members for E-Voice.
​Develop and post RIC resources on ELC's website.
​Bible Study with Pastor Mark Kvale, Temple Talks. (postponed until fall)
Draft and revise a Welcome Statement, Narthex Tabling.
​Congregational vote on becoming an RIC congregation at Annual Meeting.
One-on-one conversations.
​Peggy Sannerud (Chair)
Jon Hageseth
Kathy Hageseth
Lee Johnson
Mike Schnitzius
Deb Daehn Zellmer
Pastor Becky Goche

Reconciling in Christ Resources

ReconcilingWorks- Lutherans for Full Participation
What is LGBTQIA+? 

The Center- 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection

PFLAG       RIC Team Testimonials
RIC Congregations in the La Crosse Area Synod
​The 2025 La Crosse Area Synod Assembly adopted a resolution to enter into a time of discernment to consider becoming a becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Synod. In 2025 and 2026, the synod will engage in educational opportunities and create intentional spaces for conversation, dialogue, questions, and discernment among congregations, leaders, and individuals across the synod to deepen understanding and engagement in the process. Learn more about our entire synod becoming RIC here.

Discussion Opportunities that were held in 2023/2024:

These discussion opportunities were held to learn more about what it means to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation…one that intentionally welcomes all people. We voted as a congregation to become an RIC congregation at our annual meeting in February, 2024.
  • Saturday, September 16 at 6:00pm: We looked at an overview of the process of becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
  • Sunday, September 17 at 9:45am:  We discussed how we read the Bible.
  • Sunday, September 24 at 9:45am: We discussed Bible verses that have been used to exclude certain people.
  • Sunday, October 1 at 9:45am: We discussed Bible verses that have been used to welcome all people.
  • Sunday, October 22 at 9:45am: An open forum for discussion and Q&A about becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation was held.
  • Sunday, January 14 at 9:45am: Guests from Peace Lutheran in Tomah, a Reconciling in Christ congregation, joined our Adult Forum for discussion.
  • Sunday, January 21 at 9:45am: Pastor Paul Drees from LuMin, a current Reconciling in Christ organization, joined our Adult Forum for discussion.
  • Sunday, January 28 at 9:45am: Pastor Libby Howe, former Assistant to the Bishop and member of First Lutheran in Onalaska, a current Reconciling in Christ congregation, joined our Adult Forum for discussion.