Reconciling Works

Asexuality: An Introduction to the Asexual and Aromantic Spectrums
Asexual is a sexual orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction toward any gender. This resource explains both the asexual and aromantic spectrums and is designed to work alongside the "Lutheran Introduction to LGBTQIA+ People and Their Families" resource.

Movement Advancement Project [MAP]

In An Ally's Guide to Terminology, we learn that the words we use to talk about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and issues can have a powerful impact on our conversations. The right words can help open people’s hearts and minds, while others can create distance or confusion. Designed for new allies who want to support LGBT Americans but often face an array of confusing terminology and language, this free short guide offers an overview of essential vocabulary, terms to avoid, and a few key messages for talking about various issues.

Proyecto Avance del Movimiento | Movement Advancement Project [MAP]

Latinos and Hispanics are solid supporters of fair and equal treatment for LGBT people. In the Movement Advancement Project's free PDF download, Talking About LGBT Equality with Latinos & Hispanics / Conversando con latinos sobre temas y personas gays, focuses on four key shared values - family, respect, faith, and opposition to discrimination - that form the foundation of effective conversations with Latino audiences. The guide also provides approaches for discussions that build support for marriage: a focus on shared values of family and fairness, and the importance of illustrating the harms of denying marriage to gay couples.

Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust expresses ELCA teaching on human sexuality. The statement is grounded in the biblical witness to the relationship God establishes with creation as a model for relationships between human beings. God is absolutely trustworthy and faithful, and, therefore, with regard to sexuality, both human behavior and social structures are considered in relation to how they foster trust, commitment and protection for the flourishing and well-being of all people. In light of human sexuality as a gift and a trust, the statement considers the ways social structures and institutions shelter, sustain and protect personal, family and social relationships of love and trustworthiness.

This social statement was adopted by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Edits to Section IV were amended and adopted by the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly through a "reconsideration" process. A second reconsideration process is underway.

Transmission Ministry Collective is an online community dedicated to the spiritual care, faith formation, and leadership potential of transgender and gender-expansive Christians. TMC believes that people of all gender identities and expressions are fully loved by God and should be supported at every level by their Christian siblings, and as an organization it will always advocate for every individual’s right to self-identify and to choose any processes which bring them into alignment with themselves.

Extend hospitality to our LGBTQIA+ siblings by incorporating pronouns into your name tags. Perfect for faith communities or special events.

Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians
by Austen Hartke; Updated and Expanded Edition with Study Guide

In 2014, Time magazine announced that America had reached "the transgender tipping point," suggesting that transgender issues would become the next civil rights frontier. Years later, many people – even many LGBTQIA+ allies – still lack an understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Into this void, trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology. This new edition offers updated terminology and statistics, plus new materials for congregational study, preaching, and pastoral care. Transforming deftly weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world.

Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens
Jennifer Knapp (Forward by); Leigh Finke (Editor)

This book has answers to many common questions about being both Christian and queer or questioning and more. You'll get insight and support from an amazing group of LGBTQ+ professionals, as well as testimonies from young adult queer Christians who've recently been exactly where you are. You'll walk away with a lot of answers, prepared with tools to help. But most importantly, you'll hear the good news: God loves you exactly as you are. No matter your identity or where in your journey of self-discovery you find yourself, you got this.

1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture
Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, Director; Daniel Karslake, Producer

This feature documentary reveals how anti-LGBTQIA+ policies and propaganda were made possible by a mistranslation of the Bible in 1946 when a group of men worked on what became the Revised Standard Version translation of scripture. For the first time in any language the word “homosexual” was used to translate words in a list of things Christians couldn’t do . . . or be. It chronicles the discovery of archives at Yale University that cast significant doubt on the linguistic basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice in Christians. It features interviews and commentary from Biblical scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators. 1946 is at once challenging, enlightening, and inspiring.

The film is available for group screenings via the film's website and for individual rentals via online video retailers. Download the filmmaker’s Workbook and Discussion Guide or ReconcilingWorks’ 1946 Reflection Questions to help you process, ponder, and create clarity.

CAUTION: For many Queer folk growing up in the final three decades of the 20th century, there may be portions of this film that trigger big feelings and memories that are traumatic.