On Oct. 30^th, members of St. Mark Lutheran Church voted overwhelmingly to adopt a welcoming statement and become a Reconciling in Christ congregation, a milestone that will be celebrated Sunday, Nov. 20^th, at worship services at 8:30 (Celebration service) and 11 a.m. (liturgical service).

The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program, administered by Lutherans Concerned/North America, recognizes Lutheran congregations that welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender believers.

The statement adopted by St. Mark goes beyond welcoming members of the LGBT community. It reads: “At Saint Mark Lutheran Church, we celebrate that Christ has made us one body with many members, all sharing in God’s grace and unconditional love. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we embrace all of God’s people, regardless of age, ethnicity, physical and mental abilities, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or economic circumstance. We believe we are all unique and worthy individuals created by God. We joyfully welcome you to join us in worship, prayer, study, service and fellowship.”

St. Mark is the first and only RIC Lutheran congregation in Salem.