This is part of a series from Resurrection's Reconciling in Christ Team for the month of June, inviting reflection and engagement from our community about what it means to be committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and antiracism.

Why I Hope RLC Will Become RIC

By Kara Califf

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. - Romans 15:7

I have lots of favorite things about being a member of RLC, but here are my top two: the deep sense of connection we have within our congregation and our outward focus in caring for our neighbors, whether in Ankeny or across the globe.

Our small community can do mighty things and my fellow Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Committee members have written about that each week in the month of June. J.W. wrote about how his mind and heart were opened to see that God is love, and that we can build a community that includes and welcomes all of God’s children. Tannis wrote about intentional inclusion to marginalized and targeted groups because God’s grace is for everyone. Jerry wrote about ways to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space for people of diverse racial backgrounds.

One of the pieces involved in being recognized as an RIC partner is to create a welcome statement that clearly expresses a welcome to LGBTQIA+ folks and names our commitment to racial equity. We already know that a strength of RLC is the welcome we give to newcomers. When asked why they join the church, a warm welcome is one of the most cited reasons. How much more depth will our welcome have when people come to church knowing we have worked to ensure inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ folks and that we have committed to working for racial equity?

We have a strong foundation and history at RLC of welcoming our neighbors. It is my hope that RLC becomes RIC so that our welcome is unmistakable to all, even before they enter our church. And when visitors walk through the doors, they will know that our welcome is sincere, intentional, safe, and based on Christ’s example and God’s unfailing love.