What would it mean to be an RIC synod?

Written By Brianna Iverson

One question that’s been frequently asked of the Synod RIC team is, “What does it mean to be an RIC synod?”


Reconciling in Christ (RIC) synods adopt a welcome statement that meets or exceeds the RIC Partner Public Commitments. These commitments include explicit hospitality toward BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), as well as people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. While the synod cannot speak for the specific welcome offered by individual congregations, a collective vote affirming this statement ensures that the ministries of the synod organization itself—including its day-to-day operations and synod-sponsored events—will be inclusive, affirming, and extend an unconditional welcome to all.

To be an RIC Synod does not imply that every congregation in the synod has adopted—or is expected to adopt—the Reconciling in Christ designation. If the La Crosse Area Synod would vote to become an RIC synod - or to take the foundational step of adopting the Welcome Statement that the team has been developing - each congregation would maintain its full autonomy regarding this issue. However, they would be welcome and encouraged to consider how welcome takes form in their own contexts.


Please reach out to the RIC team to let us know what other questions you have as we walk through this process together.

Synod RIC Exploration Resource Page
We’re Already Welcoming. Why Do We Need to Say So?

Have Questions? Want to Connect?

Reach out to someone on the Synod RIC Team:

 
 
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Brianna Iverson
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