You were made in God's Image
Since 2018, the people of Emmanuel had been working toward becoming a Reconciling in Christ church. We held regular faith formation forums to discuss what it means to be inclusive and celebrate all people, specifically the LGBTQIA+ community as well as debunking common myths and bible passages used to exclude and harm this community.
In June of 2020, the congregation overwhelmingly voted in favor to publically welcome, include, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals and families to Emmanuel.
Adopted in June 2020
Welcoming Statement
Emmanuel Lutheran Church welcomes all who are seeking God's love and grace.
We welcome and affirm full participation by all because God welcomes all, regardless of race, culture, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, relationship or socio-economic status, addictions, physical or mental health, disability, imprisonment, age, or other circumstances.
OUR UNITY IS IN CHRIST.
Interpretation
It is intended that all activities, ministries, programs, and sacraments of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, including Holy Communion, Holy Baptism, marriage, and funerals, shall be available to all individuals and couples no matter their gender or sexual orientation.
A legacy of Welcoming LGBTQIA+ People
"In 1989, the Metro D.C. Synod, of which Emmanuel is a congregation, adopted an affirmation of welcome for gay and lesbian Christians, thus being recognized by ReconcilingWorks.org as a welcoming Synod to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
In 1991, the Metro D.C. synod assembly voted to accept and affirm homosexual persons as rostered ministers to serve in the church."
Twenty-five of the 886 RIC congregations reside in the Metro D.C. Synod - learn more about the Metro D.C. Synod and the ELCA by clicking below.
Join the Reconciling in Christ Ministry at Emmanuel!
The Reconciling in Christ ministry consists of members who gracefully engage the congregation in building a culture of welcome and inclusivity at Emmanuel. The ministry recommends and implements strategies to strengthen and deepen relationships within the congregation while sharing God's love with all people.
If you are interested in learning more about this ministry or joining, please reach out to the ministry at ric@elcvienna.org.
Available Resources
Previous Adult Forums
Guest Speaker and child of the congregation, Mycah McNett, tells her personal story on RIC Celebration Sunday.
Emmanuel hosted a Safe Zone Training which is an LGBTQIA+ awareness and ally training workshop.
LGBTQ+ Young Adult Mental Health Forum
On Sunday, November 8, 2020, Reconciling in Christ of Emmanuel presented a forum on LGBTQ+ Young Adult Mental Health: Connecting in Precarious Times. This session was led by Ellen Murphy, LCSW, a psychotherapist at St. Mark Counseling Center in Vienna, and ELC Reconciling in Christ Committee Member.
The Trevor Project Hotline
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Trained counselors are available 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
Ally's Guide to Terminology
The words we use can have a powerful impact on our conversations. Designed for new allies who want to support the LGBTQIA+ community, but often face an array of confusing terminology and language, this short guide offers an overview of essential vocabulary, terms to avoid, and a few key messages for talking about various issues.
PFLAG of Metro DC
"Metro DC PFLAG promotes the equality and well being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families and friends through:
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Support to cope with an adverse society.
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Education to enlighten an ill-informed public.
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Advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights."
