Elim's Journey to Becoming a Reconciling in Christ Congregation

Here's some Things to Know...

Since 1983, the ELCA Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church.

In 2021, the ReconcilingWorks staff launched the newly expanded Reconciling in Christ (RIC) partner commitments to include working for racial equity, committing to anti-racist work; and supporting the national program.   

The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.

Earlier this year, Elim began the journey toward becoming an RIC Congregation by putting together a team of interested members who meet monthly for reflection and study, and to develop opportunities for the congregation to engage in the process.

On this page is some information about what it means to be a "Reconciling in Christ" Congregation, the steps involved and how you can participate. If you’re curious about what this means for Elim, please consider joining us at one of the scheduled events or stopping by our info table on Sunday between services to chat with a team member.

In addition, the RIC Team is beginning to put together a welcome statement that all members of Elim will be asked to vote on at a special congregational meeting in early 2026. When approved by the congregation, our statement will be sent to Reconciling Works for approval.

We believe that God values and embraces each person as a beloved child, that the Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good, and that Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice. When a faith community welcomes and invites all of God’s beloved by becoming RIC, this welcome extends to the full participation of that faith community’s life. We look forward to sharing that journey of faith with you.


Elim's Proposed Welcome Statement

(To be voted on at the congregational meeting on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026)
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Inspired by God’s wide vision, Elim Lutheran Church welcomes you as you are, wherever you are on your faith journey. We count on the diversity of your ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical ability, socioeconomic status, vocation, education, abilities, and other attributes to make our community complete.

We pray that our congregation will be a source of hospitality, grace, and hope, and commit ourselves to embracing the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care.
Recognizing that all of us are created in the image of God and that our diversity is a gift, we pledge to learn, grow, repent, and act as Christ’s followers in seeking justice, reconciliation, and healing.

You are welcome. You are loved. You belong.

More Information


Four RIC Commitments
The purpose of the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is to ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work; and to support the national program.
To be recognized as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Partner, your faith community will:
  1. Clearly state a welcome to people of “all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions” or “LGBTQIA+” and name its commitment to "racial equity" or "anti-racism" in a Welcome Statement.

  2. Be open to calling LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color) Rostered Leaders. A Rostered Leader is any clergy/pastor or deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); this commitment extends to all areas of leadership within the life of your community.

  3. Allow sanctuary/community space to be used for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.

  4. Make a meaningful contribution annually to support the national RIC program. A meaningful annual contribution is determined by your faith community, its budget, and the understanding that your generosity funds the RIC Program. Meaningful contributions vary for each RIC partner.

We are in good company with our commitment of welcoming all people, which includes many ELCA Lutheran congregations and other denominations in our area.  As well as many additional churches throughout our country.
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Here are local ELCA churches who have completed the RIC process:
  • All Saints Lutheran in Novato
  • Napa Valley Lutheran Church in Napa
  • Thanksgiving Lutheran in Santa Rosa
  • United in Grace Lutheran in Vallejo
  • Marin Lutheran in Corte Madera

and here are other denominations in Petaluma who publicly affirm their commitment of welcoming towards all:
  • Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma (UUP)
  • United Church of Christ (UCC)
  • Petaluma Presbyterian
  • St. John’s Episcopal Church
 Visit https://www.reconcilingworks.org/ric/findric/" for more information.