As members of the body of Christ, we are called to be ministers of reconciliation both in the church and in the world. Through our baptism we are reconciled to God through the saving grace of Christ Jesus. As children of God, Christ calls us to lives of reconciliation, wholeness, integrity and authenticity. We are challenged by the Gospel to be agents of healing and love within our church and society.
We affirm with the apostle Paul that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female” (Gal 3:28). Christ has made us one body with many members, equal at the foot of the cross and at Christ’s table of blessing and promise. God’s extravagant welcome is sure.
As a Reconciling Lutheran, I call on the Lutheran church to extend God’s extravagant welcome and a genuine invitation for acceptance and full inclusion to
People of every age, class, color, and ethnic origin….
People of all sexual orientations and gender identities….
People who are single, married, divorced, separated, blessed or partnered….
People who are temporarily-able, disabled, or of differing abilities….
And I ask God, the giver of life and all creation, to guide my ways in living out the ministry of reconciliation always seeking to follow in the steps of Jesus Christ.