As Christians of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Washington, proclaim that the radically inclusive love of God is embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who calls us to ground our words and actions in compassion for all God’s creatures. Living into this call BSLC and ILC are Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregations committed to combating biases and working to ensure welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for all people (regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, ability, age, and socioeconomic status) and working for racial equity and creation of anti-racist community.
Many people who are LGBTQIA+ are feeling a lack of safety due to recent political action throughout the United States seeking to strip away anti-discrimination protections and limit citizen rights. We have committed to working to ensure the following basic needs of wellbeing for all people:
- Safety –We actively advocate for all people to have access to comprehensive healthcare; equal rights in marriage and parenting; protection against violence, including bullying; and all forms of discrimination. Our goal is to create supportive and safe communities of inclusion that provide protection from actions and words that cause harm, especially people who are trans.
- Belonging – We strive for the ongoing formation of fully inclusive communities of Christ that provide care for one another as we grow in Christ, especially listening to the voices of those who are LGBTQIA+.
- Purpose – We affirm God’s call for all people, including individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community, to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation.
It is critical for all compassionate Christians to have a strong voice in this national conversation, so we urge followers of Christ to find ways to act in faith. Meaningful actions include:
- Urge lawmakers to enact laws that offer protection, medical care, and equal rights to all, including people who are LGBTQIA+.
- Urge lawmakers to block laws that negatively impact and seek to diminish the lives of members of society who are LGBTQIA+.
- Join others in speaking out against inhumane policies and practices.
- Share constructive public statements that put pressure on political leaders to develop just policies and block unjust policies.
- Pray for public policy makers, advocates, and constituents, especially members of society who are LGBTQIA+.
- Model beloved-community by creating compassionate space where everyone experiences non-judgemental acceptance and inclusive care.
Above all, we commit to standing with the LGBTQIA+ community against threat, so no one who is vulnerable feels alone, to be their only advocate, and all have safety, belonging, and purpose.
“For what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” ~ Micah 6:8