calendar December 13, 2006 in News

SEPA a Reconciling in Christ Synod

In 1995 the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Assembly adopted a statement of welcome affirming that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are valued as unique individuals created by God, are welcome in ministries of the Synod, and are encouraged to share in our common sacramental and institutional life.

The board of the Lutheran Youth Organization of the Synod adopted a similar statement in 2003.

By adopting this statement of welcome, our Synod is listed as a “Reconciling in Christ” Synod by Lutherans Concerned/North America (http://www.lcna.org), which started the RIC program in 1984 to identify Lutheran bodies that welcome lesbian and gay believers.

As of November, 2006, 11 congregations of the Synod are also listed by LC/NA as RIC congregations. (See http://lcna.org/riclist.shtm for information.)

For questions regarding this article, please contact: Molly Beck Dean, assistant to the bishop/youth ministry specialist, at 267.323.3762 or ">via email.