Voices of Opposition
These are perspectives gathered from members who do not support Atonement becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation:
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is about welcoming and beliefs. The objection by some Atonement Lutheran Church (ALC) members to establishing ALC+RIC partnership is the implication that acceptance of and agreement with its beliefs is required to be truly welcoming to people who share and/or live by those beliefs.
Opponents to ALC+RIC partnership see many of RIC’s positions and advocacy on LGBTQIA+ ideology as political action and influence which inappropriately proclaims overall member support and agreement with those positions. This can negate “acceptance of all” for members and/or prospective members who hold valid scriptural, ethical, or political reasons for disagreement with some RIC positions. They may likely no longer feel welcome or accepted by our church if RIC partnership was put in place, explicitly supporting initiatives or political legislation with which they strongly disagree. (e.g., RIC opposes so-called “Anti-LGBTQIA+” legislation initiatives, which are often supported by a portion of ALC members.) An additional common concern is the effect RIC endorsement would have on the youth of our congregation. RIC congregations have been prominent in national meetings for youth, where pro-LGBTQIA+ education and activities have been presented and promoted. RIC opponents consider it inappropriate to market and endorse these ideologies to youth in our church.
While opposing RIC partnership, they believe Christ’s church should actively welcome varying scriptural interpretation lending individual guidance to social constructs around right/good vs. wrong/sin. Previously proposed RIC association and passionate debates have demonstrated risk of failing to do this, resulting in some significant member departures. This view is that we should resist the temptation to associate with ANY one-sided political advocacy organization, and continue to find alternate, effective solutions to ensuring Christ’s church is truly a welcoming sanctuary.
Common ground includes the belief that effort should include emphasizing underserved groups identified as having suffering historical discrimination and underrepresentation, and many in opposition to RIC partnership DO support many of its member requirements, e.g., expanding public welcoming statements to include more explicit highlight of groups whose members may feel “All are welcome” doesn’t really apply to them, and/or accepting LGBTQIA+ members into congregation leadership. They believe the goal of welcoming LGBTQIA+ can be achieved by continuing and expanding real actions of outreach and personal engagement, while still remaining honest about our political differences. We’re been able to do this successfully around many other divisive social-political disagreements (pro-life vs. pro-choice, Isreal vs. Palestinians, non-documented immigrant integration vs. deportation, etc.).
Opponents to ALC+RIC partnership see many of RIC’s positions and advocacy on LGBTQIA+ ideology as political action and influence which inappropriately proclaims overall member support and agreement with those positions. This can negate “acceptance of all” for members and/or prospective members who hold valid scriptural, ethical, or political reasons for disagreement with some RIC positions. They may likely no longer feel welcome or accepted by our church if RIC partnership was put in place, explicitly supporting initiatives or political legislation with which they strongly disagree. (e.g., RIC opposes so-called “Anti-LGBTQIA+” legislation initiatives, which are often supported by a portion of ALC members.) An additional common concern is the effect RIC endorsement would have on the youth of our congregation. RIC congregations have been prominent in national meetings for youth, where pro-LGBTQIA+ education and activities have been presented and promoted. RIC opponents consider it inappropriate to market and endorse these ideologies to youth in our church.
While opposing RIC partnership, they believe Christ’s church should actively welcome varying scriptural interpretation lending individual guidance to social constructs around right/good vs. wrong/sin. Previously proposed RIC association and passionate debates have demonstrated risk of failing to do this, resulting in some significant member departures. This view is that we should resist the temptation to associate with ANY one-sided political advocacy organization, and continue to find alternate, effective solutions to ensuring Christ’s church is truly a welcoming sanctuary.
Common ground includes the belief that effort should include emphasizing underserved groups identified as having suffering historical discrimination and underrepresentation, and many in opposition to RIC partnership DO support many of its member requirements, e.g., expanding public welcoming statements to include more explicit highlight of groups whose members may feel “All are welcome” doesn’t really apply to them, and/or accepting LGBTQIA+ members into congregation leadership. They believe the goal of welcoming LGBTQIA+ can be achieved by continuing and expanding real actions of outreach and personal engagement, while still remaining honest about our political differences. We’re been able to do this successfully around many other divisive social-political disagreements (pro-life vs. pro-choice, Isreal vs. Palestinians, non-documented immigrant integration vs. deportation, etc.).
Voices of Support
These are perspectives gathered from the forum of Pastors who have currently preside at Reconciling in Christ congregations:
Perspectives of support for becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation anchor on making it clear to visitors of Atonement that we see, celebrate, & embrace every child of God, and each person is truly welcome and accepted here — extending a person welcome to anyone who has felt the barriers of society being placed between them and Christ's table.
We have heard from Interim Pastor Jealaine Marple from Salem Lutheran Church the importance of a congregation doing the Spiritual work of reflecting on their welcome, how the work is hard, and it outwardly shows that a congregation can support each other through conversations that include disagreement and make room for others' perspectives. Making public declaration of who is welcome is vitally important for your guests, that before even stepping in the door, they are trying to determine what you are all about. Will someone who has a neurodiverse child that has trouble sitting in worship feel loved and supported, finding a space that offers noise-blocking headphones and members that give understanding instead of judgement? Will someone who is in a wheelchair be able to fully participate in worship, only to later have troubles not being able to use restroom or attend a Bible Study? A congregation walking in the way of Reconciling in Christ uses the hard and Spiritual work to continuously examine those questions, always asking "We say we are welcoming, but are we living it?"
We heard from Pastor Sarah Pierce, who asked during her call to All Saints Lutheran Church if their congregation would truly welcome her and her wife. A small congregation, but one that had never had a conversation about inclusion and affirming being open to calling a LQBTQIA+ and BIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color) rostered minister. The work of making and declaring that commitment by becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation allowed for Pastor Sarah to bring her whole self and her ministry to the members of All Saints.
We heard from Senior Pastor Mike Pick at Holy Cross Lutheran Church how we have many, many barriers that we put in front of the means of grace. Doors, restrooms, parking lots. So one of the things that RIC has done for Holy Cross is raising their awareness. Being intentional about the things we don't pay attention to, but we have to be very specific about. So that specificity becomes very, very important in letting people know. So that, for me, really was one of the incredible benefits. We heard how for someone in his congregation that doing this saved his life. We are in the life-saving business, sharing the grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ, the expansiveness of that grace, and what that means, and what this is, really, is gospel work that we're engaged in.
Hear all of their recorded presentations here.
We have heard from Interim Pastor Jealaine Marple from Salem Lutheran Church the importance of a congregation doing the Spiritual work of reflecting on their welcome, how the work is hard, and it outwardly shows that a congregation can support each other through conversations that include disagreement and make room for others' perspectives. Making public declaration of who is welcome is vitally important for your guests, that before even stepping in the door, they are trying to determine what you are all about. Will someone who has a neurodiverse child that has trouble sitting in worship feel loved and supported, finding a space that offers noise-blocking headphones and members that give understanding instead of judgement? Will someone who is in a wheelchair be able to fully participate in worship, only to later have troubles not being able to use restroom or attend a Bible Study? A congregation walking in the way of Reconciling in Christ uses the hard and Spiritual work to continuously examine those questions, always asking "We say we are welcoming, but are we living it?"
We heard from Pastor Sarah Pierce, who asked during her call to All Saints Lutheran Church if their congregation would truly welcome her and her wife. A small congregation, but one that had never had a conversation about inclusion and affirming being open to calling a LQBTQIA+ and BIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous, People of Color) rostered minister. The work of making and declaring that commitment by becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation allowed for Pastor Sarah to bring her whole self and her ministry to the members of All Saints.
We heard from Senior Pastor Mike Pick at Holy Cross Lutheran Church how we have many, many barriers that we put in front of the means of grace. Doors, restrooms, parking lots. So one of the things that RIC has done for Holy Cross is raising their awareness. Being intentional about the things we don't pay attention to, but we have to be very specific about. So that specificity becomes very, very important in letting people know. So that, for me, really was one of the incredible benefits. We heard how for someone in his congregation that doing this saved his life. We are in the life-saving business, sharing the grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ, the expansiveness of that grace, and what that means, and what this is, really, is gospel work that we're engaged in.
Hear all of their recorded presentations here.
Atonement's History
Timeline
An on-going conversation that first started 16 years ago, this is a brief timeline of events that have happened since the Hospitality Committee began the initial discussions at Atonement.
ELCA adopts Statement on Human Sexuality
August 17-23, 2009
The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the proposed social statement "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" and accompanying recommendations for ministry policies. It's adoption opened the way for people in same-sex relationships to serve as pastors and other rostered leaders in the ELCA.
Pastoral Forum at Atonement about ELCA's Statement on Human Sexuality
October 11, 2009
Pastor Joe and Pastor John host a forum for Atonement members to have a dialogue about ELCA's recent adoption of the "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" social statement.
At the conclusion of a series of adult forums, it was suggested that congregation further study the social statement and explore how Atonement could live into it, possibly forming a new committee or small task force.
At the conclusion of a series of adult forums, it was suggested that congregation further study the social statement and explore how Atonement could live into it, possibly forming a new committee or small task force.
First Conversations about Reconciling in Christ
November 17, 2009
The request was raised to Brooke Hednefield, Director of Service Ministries, and Pastor Joe Crowther, to begin conversations at Atonement exploring Reconciling in Christ starting in January of 2010, but the determination was that it was too soon. "In this case I feel this is a more sensitive topic that I need more inherit direction and deliberation and since [Pastor Joe] has that we wait, I believe that this is the correct thing to do for now."
Atonement Hospitality Committee – First Meeting
April 24, 2010
The first meeting of the newly formed Hospitality Committee to discuss beginning the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) journey at Atonement Lutheran Church, form an RIC task force, and listen to Richard and Jaenette Glaenzer speak about Bethel congregation's RIC journey.
In attendance were: Pastor Joe Crowther, Dykman Family, Dieckhaus Family, Rebecca Floyd, Elizabeth Mullinax, Pastor Dave Miller, Doug and Elsie Smith, Lane Wyman, Jan Devaney, Gabe Bargen, Pastor Richard Preis, Pastor Janice Kibler, Nathan Choate, Ruth and Leroy Zimmerman, Richard and Jeanette Glaenzer, Jan Allerheiligen (Vision Board Member), Gretchen Kephart (Vision Board Member), and Jim & Kay Dalbec met with the Glaenzers on Sunday 4/25.
In attendance were: Pastor Joe Crowther, Dykman Family, Dieckhaus Family, Rebecca Floyd, Elizabeth Mullinax, Pastor Dave Miller, Doug and Elsie Smith, Lane Wyman, Jan Devaney, Gabe Bargen, Pastor Richard Preis, Pastor Janice Kibler, Nathan Choate, Ruth and Leroy Zimmerman, Richard and Jeanette Glaenzer, Jan Allerheiligen (Vision Board Member), Gretchen Kephart (Vision Board Member), and Jim & Kay Dalbec met with the Glaenzers on Sunday 4/25.
First Downloaded RIC Welcoming Toolkit – starting the journey
May 20, 2010
Pastor Dave Miller in conversation with Tim Feiertag, Interim at Blue Ridge Trinity, was suggested to contact Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA, the previous name for the Reconciling Works organization) for their guidance, which was to download the Welcoming Toolkit (the earlier edition of the Becoming and Inclusive Church (BIC) Toolkit) and to consider attending or hosting a training from LC/NA on how to introduce RIC to congregations.
Hospitality Task Force formed and kick off
July 2010
A new small group, a "mini task force" from the Hospitality Committee was formed to provide the leadership of Atonement an inclusive hospitality stance that reflects a welcoming and affirming community. After meeting, the group decided to attend training and research opportunities to learn more about the process involved in developing an inclusive welcome statement for Atonement Lutheran Church.
The task force included: Elsie Smith, Kaye Dalbec, Loyd and Dorothy Dykman, Nathan Choate, LeRoy Zimmerman, Pastor Dave Miller
The task force included: Elsie Smith, Kaye Dalbec, Loyd and Dorothy Dykman, Nathan Choate, LeRoy Zimmerman, Pastor Dave Miller
Courageous Conversations Synod Training
August 2010
The Hospitality Task Force attended the "Courageous Conversations" training hosted by the Synod offices in the area. Pr. Dave Miller started researching hosting a Reconciling in Christ training in Kansas and inviting area congregations, with the goal of having it in the spring of 2011.
Partnering with First Lutheran Church
September 2010
The Hospitality Task Force met with Pastor Hohly and Alice Johnson from First Lutheran Church to learn more about their experiences in creating a welcoming statement. The group decided to request a training session from Lutherans Concerned to be co-hosted by Atonement and First Lutheran. Pastor Dave started inviting other area congregations to participate.
Planning for the "Building an Inclusive Church" Training
November 2010 – February 2011
Working with Ross Murray from Lutherans Concerned North America and 4 other area churches, the Atonement Hospitality Task Force coordinated the logistical aspects of hosting a 3-day training at Atonement set for March – including setup, meals, signage, housing, transportation, and invitations for the congregation to join a dinner after the Saturday worship and a lunch after the Sunday worship.
Hosting the "Building an Inclusive Church" Training at Atonement
March 4th to March 6th, 2011
Atonement hosted a three day training, Building an Inclusive Church, on March 4th, 5th, and 6th, attended by members of Atonement, First Lutheran, and other churches in the region including All Saints Episcopal Church in Pratt, Kansas and Hope Lutheran in Columbus, Nebraska.
Kelly Wiens, the current Director of Community Life and staff member on the Hospitality Task Force, included a recap and photo of the three day training on page 10 of "The Branch", Atonement's newsletter.
After the training, the Hospitality Task Force requested the Vision Board to complete the Congregational Assessment from pages 14-19 of the welcoming toolkit. Diane Boomer assisted with explanation of the assessment, as well as each member of the Vision Board was contacted by a member of the Hospitality Task force sharing their experiences from the training and discussing goals for becoming a welcoming and affirming church.
Kelly Wiens, the current Director of Community Life and staff member on the Hospitality Task Force, included a recap and photo of the three day training on page 10 of "The Branch", Atonement's newsletter.
After the training, the Hospitality Task Force requested the Vision Board to complete the Congregational Assessment from pages 14-19 of the welcoming toolkit. Diane Boomer assisted with explanation of the assessment, as well as each member of the Vision Board was contacted by a member of the Hospitality Task force sharing their experiences from the training and discussing goals for becoming a welcoming and affirming church.
Vision Board Q&A – providing clarity and making progress
April 25, 2011
Members of the Hospitality Task Force: Jan Allerheiligan, Nathan Choate, and Dave Miller attended the Vision Board's April meeting to provide insight and answer questions on the the team's progress and the process.
Sharing the 2007 Welcome Statement
August 14, 2011
The 2007 Welcome Statement was added to the worship bulletin for the first time, and was recorded as possibly one of the earliest "public" printing of it.
Since it was not well known at the time by the congregation, it was determined that a survey needed to be conducted to get a pulse on the congregation's views and general awareness of the current (at that time) 2007 Statement of Welcome and Affirmation, so planning for a survey was started.
In December, the Hospitality Task Force formulated and submitted it's statement of purpose to John Sykora:
"Our mission is to equip Atonement to live into its 2007 Statement of Welcome and Affirmation, and to widen and deepen Atonement's commitment to be a welcoming and affirming community, moving beyond the common distinctions of race; national origin; age; gender; physical, mental, and emotional condition or capacity; political perspective; personal history; marital status; sexual orientation; and economic or social situation."
Since it was not well known at the time by the congregation, it was determined that a survey needed to be conducted to get a pulse on the congregation's views and general awareness of the current (at that time) 2007 Statement of Welcome and Affirmation, so planning for a survey was started.
In December, the Hospitality Task Force formulated and submitted it's statement of purpose to John Sykora:
"Our mission is to equip Atonement to live into its 2007 Statement of Welcome and Affirmation, and to widen and deepen Atonement's commitment to be a welcoming and affirming community, moving beyond the common distinctions of race; national origin; age; gender; physical, mental, and emotional condition or capacity; political perspective; personal history; marital status; sexual orientation; and economic or social situation."
Change in Task Force partnership
Spring 2012
Staff members that were on the Hospitality Task Force were no longer able to participate on the committee sometime after January/early spring of 2012. What had been a building partnership between the lay members, staff, and Vision Board (Council) members, shifted back to a lay-only effort and momentum slowed.
DVD "For the Bible Tells Me So" — 5-evening discussion
June 2013
At the encouragement of Pastor Russ, the Hospitality Task Force hosted a 5-evening discussion group focusing on inclusiveness and acceptance by viewing and discussing a DVD entitled "For the Bible Tells Me So," a documentary on LGBTQ family relationships, attended by approximately 35 people.
2013 Statement of Welcome and Affirmation approved in Revised Constitution and Bylaws
September 22, 2013
The Congregational Meeting held on September 22, 2013, adopted the current wording of the Welcome Statement that is in use today, adding it to the constitution in Chapter 8 (C8.01.A13). The full version was subsequently added to each pew pad to welcome visitors and guests, and the shortened version continued to be included in the worship bulletin.
Also at the same time, Pastor Brian Hiortdahl in being considered by the congregation as the final candidate for a Call to Atonement, was asked about his view on becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. He responded that in his view, it was a journey needing to be lead by the congregation, and that as Pastor, he would support the congregation through those conversations if the congregation chose to fully take that journey.
Also at the same time, Pastor Brian Hiortdahl in being considered by the congregation as the final candidate for a Call to Atonement, was asked about his view on becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. He responded that in his view, it was a journey needing to be lead by the congregation, and that as Pastor, he would support the congregation through those conversations if the congregation chose to fully take that journey.
"Who is My Neighbor" Conference with Reverend Dr. Sherman Hicks
January 24, 2015
Atonement hosted a one day conference from 8:30am to 3:00pm on Saturday, January 24, 2015, to explore the meaning of "Neighbor" in today's context. The conference keynote was by the Rev. Dr. Sherman G. Hicks, retired director of ethnic specific/multicultural ministries for the ELCA, as well as director of the African American/Black Outreach Strategy, Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, and a pastor in New Jersey, New York, and Washington, DC.
Workshop sessions also included:
• "Talking Together Cross-Culturally as Christians" with Rev. Dr. Sherman Hicks,
• "Follow the Money: Poverty and Wealth in our Neighborhoods" with Karen Wulfkuhle, Pastor Brian Hiortdahl, Rev. Jessica Williams (pastor at First Baptist Church of Overland Park), and Rev. Jon Wulf (associate pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Overland Park),
• "Technology: Human Relationships Revolutionized" with Steve Ruschill and Zena Weist,
• "Children are Called Too!" with Sherry Owens,
• "From Sunday Worship to Monday Witness" with Rev. Susan Candea (bishop's associate for Bishop Roger Gustafson),
• "Honoring Our Neighbor's Gender Identity" with Rebecca Floyd.
Workshop sessions also included:
• "Talking Together Cross-Culturally as Christians" with Rev. Dr. Sherman Hicks,
• "Follow the Money: Poverty and Wealth in our Neighborhoods" with Karen Wulfkuhle, Pastor Brian Hiortdahl, Rev. Jessica Williams (pastor at First Baptist Church of Overland Park), and Rev. Jon Wulf (associate pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Overland Park),
• "Technology: Human Relationships Revolutionized" with Steve Ruschill and Zena Weist,
• "Children are Called Too!" with Sherry Owens,
• "From Sunday Worship to Monday Witness" with Rev. Susan Candea (bishop's associate for Bishop Roger Gustafson),
• "Honoring Our Neighbor's Gender Identity" with Rebecca Floyd.
Task Force meeting and Council Update
April 6, 2015 & April 27, 2015
The Hospitality Task Force, also called the RIC Task Force, met on April 6, which having continued to meet regularly and plan for next steps, marked 5 years since the task force first started meeting. Since the "Who Is My Neighbor" Conference was successful and well attended, a followup was desired. The notes from the meeting included starting to plan to ask the congregation about the approach for same gender marriages and requesting council to take the pulse of the congregation with a survey. Another note from the meeting, "Our eventual hope is that at the proper time, Atonement be asked to vote to become an RIC congregation."
The team presented at the April 27 council meeting, revisiting the events of the past 5 years and shared with the council that soon after the "Who Is My Neighbor" Conference in January, the task force learned that Salem Lutheran Church, one of Atonement's neighboring ELCA churches in Lenexa voted to become an RIC congregation with about 85% of those participating in the process voting affirmatively. Salem's process included small group study and discussion groups, open forums, Bible studies, sermons, and a comment box for feedback.
The team presented at the April 27 council meeting, revisiting the events of the past 5 years and shared with the council that soon after the "Who Is My Neighbor" Conference in January, the task force learned that Salem Lutheran Church, one of Atonement's neighboring ELCA churches in Lenexa voted to become an RIC congregation with about 85% of those participating in the process voting affirmatively. Salem's process included small group study and discussion groups, open forums, Bible studies, sermons, and a comment box for feedback.
Same Gender Marriages proposal first presented to Council
July 23, 2015
The Supreme Court of the Unites States on June 26, 2015, in the landmark decision for Obergefell vs. Hodges, decided that the "the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person, and under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment couples of the same-sex may not be deprived of that right and that liberty."
This resolution was presented to council for consideration: "NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that on behalf of Atonement Lutheran Church, the Church Council authorize and support our ordained pastoral staff in their decisions to marry two persons of the same gender in accordance with the Church's policies and procedures in place for the conducting of weddings. The council authorizes the use of Atonement Lutheran Church for activities related to the marriage of two same-gender persons as the pastoral staff determines appropriate.
This proposal would take until spring of 2017 until being put before the congregation.
This resolution was presented to council for consideration: "NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that on behalf of Atonement Lutheran Church, the Church Council authorize and support our ordained pastoral staff in their decisions to marry two persons of the same gender in accordance with the Church's policies and procedures in place for the conducting of weddings. The council authorizes the use of Atonement Lutheran Church for activities related to the marriage of two same-gender persons as the pastoral staff determines appropriate.
This proposal would take until spring of 2017 until being put before the congregation.
Important Conversations – 2016 Pathway for Atonement Lutheran Church
January 2016 – April 2016
• January 20: "Reading Scripture Faithfully" with Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA
• January 30: "Breaking Bread with Our Islamic Neighbors" Dinner and Conversations with members of the Islamic Center of Johnson County
• January 31: "Worship at Atonement" forum led by Rick Deasley
• February 7: "Love and Marriage: A Bible Study" led by Pastor Brian Hiortdahl
• February 25: "Face to Face" Training for Council and Staff
• February 27 & 28: Worship Feedback Forums
• March – May: Worship Team evaluates feedback, plan next steps
• March – May: "Welcome One Another" Romans 15:1-7 Bible Study led by Stewardship Team
• March – November: "Face to Face" Conversations throughout the congregation
• March 5: Same-Sex Weddings : Opposing Positions, Biblical Perspectives
• March 6: Council Listening Session
• March 13: Council Listening Session
• March 19: Council Listening Session
• March 31: Council Meeting - Evaluation of feedback on Same-Sex Weddings
• April 9-10: Council Quarterly Forums, Updates to Congregation
• January 30: "Breaking Bread with Our Islamic Neighbors" Dinner and Conversations with members of the Islamic Center of Johnson County
• January 31: "Worship at Atonement" forum led by Rick Deasley
• February 7: "Love and Marriage: A Bible Study" led by Pastor Brian Hiortdahl
• February 25: "Face to Face" Training for Council and Staff
• February 27 & 28: Worship Feedback Forums
• March – May: Worship Team evaluates feedback, plan next steps
• March – May: "Welcome One Another" Romans 15:1-7 Bible Study led by Stewardship Team
• March – November: "Face to Face" Conversations throughout the congregation
• March 5: Same-Sex Weddings : Opposing Positions, Biblical Perspectives
• March 6: Council Listening Session
• March 13: Council Listening Session
• March 19: Council Listening Session
• March 31: Council Meeting - Evaluation of feedback on Same-Sex Weddings
• April 9-10: Council Quarterly Forums, Updates to Congregation
Atonement Votes to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
April 2017
First proposed in July of 2015, following 18 months of discernment, Atonement brought the question before the congregation and passed with 2/3 affirming the motion to allow for same-sex marriages to be performed at Atonement and affirming that the congregation supports the ordained pastoral staff at Atonement performing LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.
Continuing a "Ministry of Presence" – recognizing 9 years
September 20, 2018
Having continued to meet regularly over the previous 9 years, the Hospitality Task Force adjusted its name to the RIC Task Force, and then now to being called the LGBTQ Committee. Angie Brickson, Jan Dieckhaus, Rebecca Floyd, Elsie Smith, and LeRoy Zimmerman and presented for the LGBTQ committee at the September 20 Council meeting to discuss the Welcome Statement, getting it added back into the bulletin, adding it to the website, and how well Atonement is doing at ministering to the needs of LGBTQ persons.
A key question poised to the Council was "Is the generic statement that 'All are welcome' enough, since the societal norm is that LGBTQ persons are not generally considered part of "all"?
A key question poised to the Council was "Is the generic statement that 'All are welcome' enough, since the societal norm is that LGBTQ persons are not generally considered part of "all"?
Re-starting the Conversation toward inclusion
August 2022
The LGBTQ Committee continuing their conversations with Council, presented a proposal for an exterior banner sign with the goal of indicating to outside visitors and guests that Atonement was as welcoming and inviting church family. The banner proposal had the words "WE STAND FOR ONE ANOTHER" across the top, with the words "Service", "Justice", "Inclusion", "Equality", and "Love" written in a staggered design pattern below, with bands of bright gradient colors.
The Council deliberated for an extended period, not accepting the banner's design as presented, proposing back a banner design using a single color, that emphasized "Welcome". The conversation of the banner imagery sparked a fresh reflection for the Council to start discerning once again what does it mean to be welcoming, and what is Atonement's commitment to equity, racial justice, and inclusion.
The Council deliberated for an extended period, not accepting the banner's design as presented, proposing back a banner design using a single color, that emphasized "Welcome". The conversation of the banner imagery sparked a fresh reflection for the Council to start discerning once again what does it mean to be welcoming, and what is Atonement's commitment to equity, racial justice, and inclusion.
Beginning a new Call for an Associate Pastor
February 2023
Not having full clarity for inclusion and Atonement's commitment to living as a welcoming faith community was a challenging question as the Call process for a new associate pastor was starting. One key question that the Council had lengthy discussions over was whether they would be willing to accept Call Candidates from the Bishop that were LGBTQIA+ as well as BIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous, Person of Color).
Welcome and Inclusion (WIT) Team Survey
November 2023 – February 2024
Continuing the dialogue with the congregation, a new team was formed to host a series of forums & listening sessions, plus a wide-topic survey was sent to gauge the general sentiment of the congregation and make recommendations to Council about how best to proceed next.
In April, the Welcome and Inclusion (WIT) Team provided suggestions to Council in four categories: (1) Community Engagement, (2) Small Group Ministry, (3) a Welcoming Environment, and (4) Education & Awareness.
Some examples of education & awareness, which the council had as followup and included in the Welcome Journey conversations were:
• LGBTQIA+ education – what do the letters mean?
• RIC education – what does it mean to be RIC?
• Adult ed opportunities – telling the “your story” sharing sessions
In April, the Welcome and Inclusion (WIT) Team provided suggestions to Council in four categories: (1) Community Engagement, (2) Small Group Ministry, (3) a Welcoming Environment, and (4) Education & Awareness.
Some examples of education & awareness, which the council had as followup and included in the Welcome Journey conversations were:
• LGBTQIA+ education – what do the letters mean?
• RIC education – what does it mean to be RIC?
• Adult ed opportunities – telling the “your story” sharing sessions
Congregational Meeting announcing plans for the fall
May 18, 2025
In May, the Council announced that they were discerning how best to proceed with conversations, with agreement on two key goals:
1. Keep the congregation whole
2. Find clarity as to Atonement's public commitment to living as a Welcoming faith community
1. Keep the congregation whole
2. Find clarity as to Atonement's public commitment to living as a Welcoming faith community
Welcome Journey Conversations begin
September 2025
A draft plan for the Welcome Journey Conversations was discussed at the July Council meeting, with the final plan presented and approved at the August Council meeting, to start with 4 parts during the months of September through October, determining at the end of October if clarity was found or requiring next steps to arrive at clarity.
Congregational Survey — straw poll about Welcome Statement & RIC
October 10th to October 23rd, 2025
A two question survey was given to the congregation as part of the Welcome Journey Conversations in order to help Atonement clearly see who we are before proceeding with a vote or final conversation. The goal was not to try and convince of one position over the other, but to create respect and appreciation for where everyone is.
Question 1: If you were asked to vote today, how do you feel about Atonement revising our Welcome Statement with the proposed changes?
Question 2: If you were asked to vote today, how do you feel about Atonement becoming a Reconciling in Christ partner congregation?
After sending the survey out to over 700 members and receiving 296 responses (226 online surveys and 70 printed surveys), the survey results showed 85% support for revising our Welcome Statement, and 75% support for becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. The Council then met to review the responses and decided unanimously to move forward in calling the two survey questions to a congregational vote.
Question 1: If you were asked to vote today, how do you feel about Atonement revising our Welcome Statement with the proposed changes?
Question 2: If you were asked to vote today, how do you feel about Atonement becoming a Reconciling in Christ partner congregation?
After sending the survey out to over 700 members and receiving 296 responses (226 online surveys and 70 printed surveys), the survey results showed 85% support for revising our Welcome Statement, and 75% support for becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. The Council then met to review the responses and decided unanimously to move forward in calling the two survey questions to a congregational vote.
Congregation Approves becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation
October 26, 2025
At our congregational meeting on Sunday, November 26, Atonement members voted to approve updates to our welcome statement and to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. Voting members cast 203 votes by paper ballot.
- The revised welcome statement was approved with 181 in favor (89%), 17 opposed, and 5 abstaining.
- The motion to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation passed with 163 in favor (80%), 32 opposed, and 8 abstaining.