Reconciling in Christ Resources

The Reconciling in Christ Task Force has compiled a list of resources for you to use as the Northern Illinois Synod discerns becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Synod. 

Please note that this is not an all-inclusive resource list and will be updated throughout the year.

Websites

• Reconciling Works
  • ReconcilingWorks advocates for the acceptance, full participation, and liberation of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions within the Lutheran Church.
• The Trevor Project
  • The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information and support to LGBTQ+ young people, 24/7, all year round.
• Trans Lifeline
  • Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
• Human Rights Campaign
  • The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
• The Naming Project
  • The mission of The Naming Project is to create places of safety for youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities where faith is shared and healthy life-giving community is modeled.

    The goal of The Naming Project is to provide a safe and sacred space where youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities are named and claimed by a loving God; can explore and share faith; experience healthy and life-giving community; reach out to others; and advocate for systemic change in church and society.

Messages, Resolutions, and Social Statements

• Bishop Fidlar's Pastoral Message on Transgender Executive Orders
• Reconciling Works Response to Continued Executive Orders Against LGBTQIA+ People
• Resoultion for the Northern Illinois Synod to Consider Becoming a Reconciling in Christ Synod
• Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust
  • Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust expresses ELCA teaching on human sexuality. A social statement is a teaching and policy document that assists us in thinking about and discussing social issues in the context of faith and society. This statement was adopted in 2009 and provides guidance on matters like marriage, family, and same-gender relationships.
• We Celebrate LGBTQIA+ siblings - Video
  • ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a message celebrating the gifts of our LGBTQIA+ siblings and acknowledges the struggles many are enduring against those who want to take away their civil and human rights. This church loves you and supports you.
• Presiding Bishop Eaton's Statement on Anti-Trans Legislation (2023)
  • In recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on the church to recognize and affirm the humanity of our transgender and nonbinary siblings and faithfully advocate for their dignity.
• Gender-Based Violence
  • The social message on “Gender-based Violence” seeks to raise awareness about the growing level of gender-based violence in U.S. Society. “Gender-based violence” includes, but is not limited to, rape, sexual abuse, physical and sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and sexual harassment. 

Resources

• A Guide for Talking Together about Shared Ministry with Same-Sex Couples and Their Families
  • This four-part conversation series supports congregations as they minister to and with same-sex couples and their families.
• Evangelical Lutheran Worship Service for Marriage: Supplemental Resources
  • This marriage service supplement offers inclusive language for all couples who seek to be married within this church.
• A Synod's Guide to Being RIC (2022)
• A Synod's Guide to Being RIC (2017)
• How to Becoming Reconciling in Christ (RIC)
• Extending Hospitality to People of All Gender Identities and Gender Expression
• Human Rights Campaign Glossary of Terms

Books

• Transforming: The Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians by Austen Hartke