Is R.I.C. the Best Way To Advocate For Homosexual Brothers & Sisters?

The Editor

 

Reconciled in Christ (RIC) is an organization that portrays itself as advocating for affirmation, acceptance, and Christian outreach to persons of all sexual orientations.  The RIC goal of welcoming all people is a worthy goal to which Christ calls all of us.

 RIC was started in 1984 by Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA) “to recognize Lutheran congregations that welcome lesbian and gay believers,” (see www.lcna.org/ric.shtm ).  More than 300 organizations are part of the RIC roster including 21 ELCA synods.

 

However, RIC is about more than just welcoming gay & lesbian people.  RIC is about lobbying a particular agenda.  This agenda is to lobby for  (1.) change in the ELCA’s Visions & Expectations (see www.elca.org/dm/candidacy/vision_ordained.html ) so as to allow ordination of non-celibate homosexual persons   and (2.) a church sanctioned blessing or marriage of same-sex couples.

 

This agenda is evident in the “News, Releases and Events” page of LC/NA-RIC's website.  For example:

 

Promotes Gay Ordination

One posting tells of the upcoming ordination of an openly gay pastor at Bethany Lutheran in Minneapolis.  LC/NA deserves credit for pointing out that this ordination is in conflict with ELCA policy.  But then Bethany Lutheran’s lead pastor, Steven Benson, is quoted as saying, “the congregation approached this carefully and decided that we had a moral responsibility to call Jay as a full pastor,” (see www.lcna.org/lcna_news/2004-02-22.shtm ).  The tone of the news clip implies approval.

 

Promotes a Blessing Service

Tim & Patrick, “a 10-minute documentary on the blessing service for Tim Beekmann and Patrick Durkin in a Lutheran congregation.”  After mentioning the fact that Tim Beekmann’s father is Darold Beekmann, Bishop Emeritus of the SW MN Synod, the description states, “This new video will be a valuable resource to congregations studying ‘Part 2: Church and Homosexuality’ from the ELCA’s Sexuality Studies Task Force…” (see www.lcna.org/lcna_news/2004-04-02.shtm ). 

 

Promotes Questionable Policies

On a page promoting LC/NA-RIC’s July 2004 national assembly, keynote speaker Bishop Robert Rimbo (SE Mich), is described as a staunch advocate for the local option for same-sex blessings, “...even when congregations have left the synod over the issue,” (see www.lcna.org/assembly/happening_participants.htm ).

 

The RIC agenda is clear.  Checking LINKS on LC/NA-RIC’s website affirms this conclusion

Soulforce

     www.soulforce.org

 

THIS Obedience

     www.thisobedience.com

 

Extraordinary Candidacy Project

 www.extraordinarycandidacyproject.org/

 

Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries

     www.llgm.org/

The Network for Inclusive Vision

     www.lcna.org/links.shtm

 

Shower of Stoles Project

     www.showerofstoles.org/

 

PFlag (Parents, Families & Friends of gays & Lesbians)

     www.pflag.org/

 

 

ANOTHER WAY…

 

Communities of Grace

 

Communities of Grace (COG) is a movement which also values welcoming & reaching out to persons of all sexual orientations.

 

It also values the authority of scripture in shaping our understanding of this issue.  COG acknowledges the pain & struggle that many homosexual persons have experienced because they have been singled out as “sexual lepers” in our society.  COG exhorts everyone in the church to repent of such attitudes & behavior.

 

Included among the values to  which organizations commit when joining  COG are:

 

(1.) Being intentional in welcoming to all people

 

(2.)  Providing a safe & loving, place of worship

 

To learn more, go to:

www.churchmoraldebate.com/congfd/comgrace.htm