Reconciling Works

PRIDE 2026 Theme: Reframing Our Resistance

As faith communities living in a time when our society is becoming less affirming and inclusive of those who are marginalized, we are called to respond with intention, faith, and love. This Pride season, we step forward together—as allies, collaborators, and co-conspirators in the Gospel—to boldly proclaim God’s inclusive love for all God’s beloveds.

This year’s theme invites us into a fuller, more faithful expression of resistance—one that is grounded not only in action, but in spirit:

• Lament for the harm and injustice that persist
• Foundation in the enduring truth of God’s expansive love
• Joy that celebrates the beauty and gifts of LGBTQIA+ lives
• Courage to continue showing up, speaking out, and building a more just church and world

We need all of these elements in our lives and in our worship. Together, they shape a resistance that is not only responsive, but deeply rooted, life-giving, and transformative.

Please complete this form to receive free access to the following PRIDE worship resources:

• PRIDE Worship
• Written Sermon
• Young Worshipers Guide (from Doodles of Devotion) (English and Spanish)

With divisive political rhetoric targeting trans and queer people and often weaponizing transphobia in particular, our concerns have led us to create these Community Safety Guides to use as you plan for and participate in PRIDE events:

• PRIDE Community Safety Planning Guide (PDF) - Use this to plan for community safety in the weeks leading up to PRIDE (or other event).
• PRIDE "Day of" Community Safety Guide by Role (PDF) - Print and bring these "cards" to PRIDE (or other event). We suggest you print them double-sided and laminate for use on the "day of" the event.

ReconcilingWorks is here to remind you, our partner communities, organizations, and the world PRIDE community, that we - all of us together - are the living embodiment of hope for LGBTQIA+ full inclusion and equity.

Additional resources we recommend:

• Non-violent Communication (NVC) Practice Guide | Jen Gergen - Dedicated to the practice, facilitation, and ongoing education of non-violent communication (NVC).
• Sequeerity - A Minneapolis based de-escalation team that is owned and operated by queer and poc womxn whose goal is to create and maintain safe spaces for everyone, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community.

As people of faith, our support of the LGBTQIA+ community is more critical than ever.

This PRIDE, take the time to utilize the following ReconcilingWorks resources to support you in the holy work of justice:

• Online Trainings such as "Let's Talk about SOGIE!" and "Building an Inclusive Church"
• Books such as "Lutheran Guide to Advocate for LGBTQIA+ People in Church and Society" and "Reconciling Scripture for Lutherans - On Sexuality and Gender Identity"
• Frequently Asked Questions such as "Bathroom Bills FAQs" and "Religious Freedom & Equality Act FAQs"
• Letter to the Editor Guide

Suggested PRIDE Booth Materials:

We suggest one display copy of each of the following:

• Reconciling Scripture for Lutherans
• Lutheran Introduction to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression
• Guide to Welcome LGBTQIA+ Youth and Their Families
• Lutheran Guide to Advocacy for LGBTQIA+ People in Church and Society
• LGBTQIA+ Welcome in Rural Communities
  

We suggest a quantity to share of each of the following:

• ReconcilingWorks Rainbow Button
• Proud to be ELCA Button
• Reconciling in Christ: Resources for the Journey Brochures

Created originally for the ELCA Youth Gathering, ReconcilingWorks hopes these displays can be used throughout PRIDE (or all year round).

Display these images in your narthex, fellowship hall, or throughout your building as an education piece and conversation starter. Download your free display here! These images are best suited for 17 x 11 prints.