ReconcilingWorks is proud of Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, Edmonds Lutheran Church (Edmonds, WA), for responding with grace when a sign was posted in an attempt to take away from their rainbow flag flown for 2017 RIC Sunday.
Edmonds Lutheran Church released this press release Tuesday:
Edmonds Lutheran Church honors and welcomes everyone from the LGBT community into membership and leadership. Last week, in honor of this vital community, the church flew a rainbow flag on their campus.
On Sunday morning, a cardboard sign was posted near the flag with verses of the Old Testament in an effort to bring ELC’s commitment into question. Members of the church responded immediately and creatively, posed by the sign in a loving embrace, kissing each other.
Pastor Tim Oleson responded saying, “This church is committed to a message of welcome to all, without exception and regardless of sex, race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, physical and mental ability, age, or economic circumstances. We recognize that each person is a unique creation of God and loved without condition. The rainbow flag affirms that commitment”.
The flag was stolen the following day.
“It’ll be up again soon,” Pastor Oleson assured.
Pastors are available and welcome interviews.
Call 425-744-8091 of you are interested.
The local NBC affiliate, King 5 News, also picked up the story Wednesday: “Pastors welcome rainbow flag thief to church.”
For more information about the RIC program, visit www.ReconcilingWorks.org/RIC.