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.
A Year of Exploration: Discerning Becoming an Reconciling in Christ Synod
"A Synod's Guide to Being RIC: The RIC Journey of Discernment and Living into an RIC Identity"
Synods that choose to meet or exceed the RIC Partner Public Commitments can ensure that the ministries of the synod organization are inclusive and affirming, serving as a witness to the ELCA and the ELCIC, other denominations, and society at large.
Current RIC Synods
32 of the 65 synods in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) are RIC:
3 of the 5 synods in the ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) are RIC:
+ British Columbia Synod
+ Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod
+ Eastern Synod
Current RIC Congregations in the La Crosse Area Synod
6 of our congregations & ministries within the La Crosse Area Synod have also taken steps to be intentionally welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community with a few others working through the process. These congregations are identified as Reconciling in Christ congregations. By having a statement affirming this welcome that specifically names either, “LGBTQIA+ people” or “people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions” in their statement, these faith communities are accepted into the Reconciling in Christ partnership with Reconciling Works. You may click on a congregation to learn more:
Program
Reconciling Works: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community since 1974.
The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations. Lutheran communities that publicly welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are accepted onto the Reconciling in Christ Roster. Most groups start the process of consideration by engaging in a study program or series of educational meetings. Hearing the experiences of LGBT people and their families often creates greater understanding and insights. Learn more about the RIC program through Reconciling Works.
An independent 501(c)3 organization.
Reconciling Works is an independent non-profit organization funded by the generosity of individuals, faith communities, grants, and from curated resources and trainings. Reconciling Works does not receive funding from any Lutheran denomination.
Reconciling Works
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ReconcilingWorks advocates for the acceptance, full participation, and liberation of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions within the Lutheran Church.
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To keep expanding the welcome, liberating those who are forced to live in the margins. To keep dismantling barriers and building bridges. To keep working until all of God's beloved have equity.
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We believe that God values and embraces each person as a beloved child, that the Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good, and that Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice.
Resources
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The Trevor Project
The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
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GLAAD
GLAAD provides an amazing list of online resources on their website. GLAAD works through entertainment, news, and digital media to share stories from the LGBTQ community that accelerate acceptance.
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Illustrated Ministries
Illustrated Ministry celebrates the expansive image of God in everyone, through open and inclusive language, diverse imagery, and progressive theology and produces accessible faith-based resources for the church and home.
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Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries organizes queer seminarians and rostered ministers, confronts barriers and systemic oppression, and activates queer ideas and movements within the Lutheran Church
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Queer Confirmation
Queer Confirmation deepens relationships with God, peers, and facilitators through curated topics, questions explored in small groups, skills that build resilience, and rituals that buoy young people up in the affirming love of God.
Events & Learning Opportunities
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National Day of Remembrance
National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools
Sept. 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. As a Church, we are committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can journey towards healing together. You are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and/or raise an orange flag and post a photo on social media. -
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Book Study: See Me, Believe Me
Starting October 6, every Monday in October at 12:00pm, connect via Zoom with members of the SCSW Racial Equity Team and SCSW Churchwide voting members for discussion of this important anti-racism resource.
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Expanding Our Hospitality: Graceful Engagement
Tue, Oct 7
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm on ZOOMCost $12 per person
Explore simple ways we can build community through our hospitality for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Graceful Engagement: This helpful tool reminds us to root ourselves in the love of God as we seek to build relationships with our neighbors. Join us for a time of guided breathing, reflection and learning how to love and care for our neighbors in divisive times.
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Indigenous Peoples' Day
Monday, Oct. 13, Riverside Park and UWL Bluffs Ballroom
9 a.m. Ho-Chunk Garden Unveiling, International Friendship Garden
11 - 3 p.m. Activities, vendors and education, Myrick Park and The Nature Center
5:30-7:30 p.m. Community Dinner and Entertainment
7:30 p.m. Keynote speaker Amy Lonetree -
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Expanding Our Hospitality: Common Language
Tue, Nov 4
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm on ZOOMCost $12 per person
Explore simple ways we can build community through our hospitality for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Common Language: Loving our neighbor requires us to take time to learn more about who they are. We will learn more about the diversity and difference around sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation, and how this can impact our ways to be intentional in our hospitality and welcome.
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Expanding Our Hospitality: Good Conversations
Tue, Dec 2
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm on ZOOMCost $12 per person
Explore simple ways we can build community through our hospitality for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Good Conversations (with time for 1:1 practice): Now that we have learned new tools and awareness in the first two sessions, let's put them into practice. Learn how to have meaningful and productive conversations in which you practice intentional invitation, hospitable curiosity, listening more than speaking, finding shared values and experiences, and building ongoing relationships.
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National Day of Racial Healing
January 20, 2026
The National Day of Racial Healing is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. It is an opportunity to bring ALL people together and inspire collective action to build common ground for a more just and equitable world.
Racial healing is the experience shared by people when they speak openly and hear the truth about past wrongs and the negative impacts created by individual and systemic racism.
Racial healing helps to build trust among people and restores communities to wholeness, so they can work together on changing current systems and structures so that they affirm the inherent value of all people.
