Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
The All-Inclusive Committee was formed to ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration and advocacy for all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, abilities, and races here at Calvary.
Calvary is in the process of exploring the possibility of becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) designated congregation. The Reconciling works website describes this designation as “Congregations that suggest to its members and those beyond that it is indeed a welcoming congregation for all, especially for those people who normally do not feel welcome in churches. Reconciling in Christ proclaims love for all of God’s creation, especially all those who have suffered discrimination.”
The RIC designation would be important for Calvary. It communicates who we are as a welcoming and safe congregation on the national registry where people can search for a faith community in their area. When people see that we have gone through the time and discernment to specifically welcome LGBGQIA+ and people of all races and abilities, they know we are a community that is skilled at welcoming.
Sadly, our siblings who are LGBTQIA+ and black, brown, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) as well as our differently abled siblings continue to experience exclusion and harm from people supposedly acting in the name of Christianity. As a RIC partner, our commitment to work toward the full welcome, inclusion, celebration and advocacy of all of God’s beloved is a lifelong commitment of our community.
Do you have any questions or wonderings? Would you like to learn more about the All-Inclusive Committee or the Reconciling in Christ designation? We would love to talk with you!! If you have questions, wonderings, opinions or just want to learn more about how Calvary welcomes all of God’s beloved, committee members and Calvary pastors and staff would love to have a discussion with you.
“As an older gay male I understand the struggles someone would have had with being open when they were younger. They may feel like it is a struggle still. I appreciate how
Calvary’s congregation makes me feel welcome to
worship.”
“As a Mexican American Queer woman, it’s so important to me that I am able to grow in my faith and worship with people who not only accept me for who I am, but also feel they are able to share their whole selves with me and the congregation as well. Calvary is a community. Communities thrive when we can learn from each other and foster a sense of belonging.”
At Calvary Lutheran Church, we believe in taking our faith beyond the walls of our church and into the world. We are involved in a variety of local and global outreach programs, from feeding the hungry to supporting missionaries around the world.
“As a psychiatrist it is indeed an honor and
privilege to care for a diverse population of
individuals with mental illness and
developmental disabilities. I also am sincerely dedicated in my work and at Calvary in
welcoming and accepting people of all races, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.”
“I want people to come here and feel like a part of the church in every way, to not just be
tolerated but to feel community within the walls. I felt that for the first time at this church, and I hope to welcome people the same way.
I would say the group brings me something, not that bring anything to the group. It has helped me to be bold with who I am in my faith where I was once was ashamed. I want the same for anyone entering our church!”
“In the 60s and 70s growing up in Grand Forks as a gay male I experienced lots of prejudice. I moved to Washington state when I was 25 and experienced a more accepting environment. I moved back to Grand Forks when I was 62. I hope I can show others that Grand Forks has changed for the better, and welcome others here at Calvary.
“After learning what the RIC team is all about, it felt like a good fit for me. I spent my career as a teacher trying to be sure my students felt
comfortable, welcome, safe, and included in my classroom. I want the same for anyone who
attends Calvary.”
“I am excited to be a part of the All Inclusive team. My personal and professional
experiences have led me to feel passionately about being an ally for LGBTQIA+ individuals. I believe diversity makes us stronger and as Christians we are all called to love as Jesus loved us. Please feel free to ask me more about why I feel this is important.”
"I believe it is very important to actively & intentionally create a community of faith where everyone knows they belong. I am so happy to be a part of the RIC All Inclusive Committee at Calvary! I am a long time member of Calvary and the reason I stay at Calvary is because of a conversation with Pastor Kirk. During this conversation, he assured me people in the LGBTQIA+ community belonged at Calvary. I look forward to future conversations and learning along the way!"
“It has been such a blessing to be a member at Calvary. Our journey to find a church began as we were craving a congregation, a faith community, that would love, support and accept us as
individuals and as a couple.. Calvary Lutheran church did their best by extending a warm welcome. As we interviewed local churches we instantly found a connection for an inclusive church with Calvary and we knew we belonged here…
Together with the parishioners, staff and clergy– we are a church. Thank you for allowing us, our family and friends to be a part of a historic day for Calvary Lutheran Church….We were the first same gender marriage that these walls got to celebrate. It is holy, and we felt pure joy to
welcome this marriage, not just because the courts ordered it, but because we celebrated that we are precious children of God and our marriage is of equal dignity in this church. What a gift.”