Take a look at the Saint Paul bulletin. In the welcoming statement, you will read that the weloming statement specifically mentions sexual orientation and gender identity. By making that public statement, Saint Paul Lutheran Church is recognized as a Reconciling in Christ congregation. What does that really mean?
In June 2008, I walked with members of the Saint Paul RIC committee in the Denver Pride Parade, where thousands of people cheered us on. A week after that, I walked in the San Francisco Pride Parade. Half a million people lined the parade route. It was an incredible day. During the week in San Francisco, I was elected as the Transgender Representative to the Board of Directors of Lutherans Concerned North America.
I didn’t understand what that really meant until I returned to Denver the following week and attended the Tuesday noon Eucharist. Pastor Maly read the sermon from Matthew, Chapter 9. Lines 36-38, went right to my heart:
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” —NRSV
I thought back to the hundreds of thousands in Denver and San Francisco who lined the Pride parade routes. My heart aches for those who are told they are an abomination. They are not welcome in the church because of the way their heart loves or the way they express their true self does not match the standards of society. I understand what I am to do. I am called to be a laborer - I must help bring in the harvest. I realize that I was called by the laborers in this congregation. The pastor who stands at the pulpit and tells me I am forgiven, that I am a child of God. The dear friends who walk with me in the Pride parade. The wonderful people who fill the pews and welcome all God’s Children to celebrate the Word. I labor for my Lord Jesus Christ because I am surrounded by his laborers. That is why Saint Paul Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ Congregation.
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