Help ReconcilingWorks welcome a new Reconciling in Christ (RIC) community:
Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp & Retreat Center in Fort Valley, Virginia.
Their welcome statement reads:
“As stated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), “outdoor ministries strive to strengthen, support and lift up the body of Christ through building relationships with others and with God while enjoying creation.” We aim to live out this ministry by following the greatest commandment that Christ taught us – to love our neighbors as ourselves. We understand this teaching as being inclusive of everyone, with no exceptions.
We believe that God declared all people, plants, animals, life, and creation as “good” and has blessed us all. We celebrate, affirm, and value the diversity present in our communities: diversity of ethnicity, race, culture, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, faith, belief, ability, age, identity, and any other classification. We commit ourselves to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care.
Sincerely we say, “all are welcome.” YOU are welcome here. The above statement has been the expected culture here since camping and retreats began by Lutheran families in Fort Valley starting in 1949. We stand with our local ecumenical partners, community organizations, and the ELCA to reclaim our history, recognize our past (good and bad), and strive to always be a welcoming host.“
Learn more about Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp & Retreat Center at: www.CarolineFurnace.org