On Being a Reconciled in Christ Community

RIC means Crossroads strives to be a community where unconditional acceptance in Christ is the norm. Crossroads commits to being a place of hospitality and peace for all. Violence, contempt, sexism, and bigotry have no place among us.

Becoming a Reconciled in Christ community made it explicit that this community expects and welcomes gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, and queer (GLBTQ) persons. We take this position because we understand that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female” (Galatians 3:28). In other words, the things the secular world uses to divide and discriminate have no place among us.

Because GLBTQ people often find scorn and rejection in some churches being explicit about our beliefs is important. We hold that:

* GLBTQ people, like all others, share the identity that of being unique individuals graciously created by God;
* GLBTQ people become members of this faith community by making the same affirmation of faith that all other people make; and
* Like all in this faith community, GLBTQ people are expected and encouraged to share in Word and sacrament, service to others, and companionship with fellow-travelers on the journey of spirit and life.

More information is available at Reconciling Works https://www.reconcilingworks.org/