Collection

ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation and Reconciling in Christ Records

Span Dates: 1974-2019
Bulk Dates:
Volume: 17 boxes

Description

The Organizational Records of ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation contain materials documenting the work of ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation. The collection consists of the organization’s leadership files, meeting notes, brochures and memos, and other organizational documentation. The collection also includes digital copies of the organization’s newsletter ([soon available on the UMedia digital collections website]), as well as assorted digital audio and video files. This collection also contains extensive documentation of Reconciling in Christ (RIC), a ReconcilingWorks program that catalogs and documents Lutheran organizations that are friendly to LGBTQ members. This subcollection includes documentation related to the origins of the RIC program, as well as correspondence, clippings, and materials related to the program’s policies.

Hist/Bio Note

ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation was founded (as Lutherans Concerned for Gay People) in 1974. According to its articles of incorporation, the group’s current mission is : 1. To affirm, support and unite people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and ender expressions within the Lutheran communion; 2. To advocate for the full inclusion and participation of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions in all aspects of the life of the Church; 3. To promote and nurture increasingly welcoming spaces within the Church where all can find wholeness and affirmation of their identities and such healing as might be necessary; 4. To work at the intersection of all oppressions with other religious and secular groups in order to create and enhance connections between the sacred and the secular; and 5. To proclaim the Christian gospel of love, joy, justice and reconciliation to and for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions everywhere. Throughout its existence, the organization has advocated for widespread policy changes to encourage more diverse participation among both church goers and clergymen in the Lutheran Church. It also has also developed a diversity of programs, gatherings, trainings, and resources, including Reconciling in Christ (RIC)––a resource aimed at helping LGBTQ Lutherans identify safe and welcoming church communities. The group publishes a circulating newsletter, which was originally called “The Gay Lutheran: Newsletter of Lutherans Concerned for Gay People,” but is now published as “Concord: Newsletter of ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation.” The group continues to advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals and others within the Lutheran faith community.

Finding Aid

The finding aid is available online. Digital copies of The Gay Lutheran: Newsletter of Lutherans Concerned for Gay People,” now published as “Concord: Newsletter of ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation.” can be found at https://umedia.lib.umn.edu/.
https://archives.lib.umn.edu/repositories/13/resources/9270

Location

This collection is housed at The Jean Nickolaus Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies Collecting Area. Elmer Anderson Library, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
https://www.lib.umn.edu/tretter

Tags

Author/editor | Activist (religious institutions) | Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) | Reconciling Works (formerly Lutherans Concerned)