Mount Olviet of Plymouth RIC Mission

Compelled by the love of God, we seek to become a more visibly inclusive congregation and effective witnesses to Christ’s expansive welcome. This means openly embracing and advocating for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual), and BIPOC people (black, indigenous, and people of color) and their families through a guided process.

What is Reconciling In Christ (RIC)?

The term “Reconciling” communicates the desire for those who have previously had divergent beliefs to come to new understanding and peace with one another in the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons into congregational life. We do so as one body “in Christ” because in and through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God and thus called to reconcile with one another through love of neighbor.

The Journey

The Reconciling In Christ journey began in 2023. In early 2024 a Core Team gathered and began the process, with the support of ReconcilingWorks, an organization founded to assist ELCA Communities on their journey toward becoming RIC using many excellent tools and materials. The first steps involved Graceful Engagement that helped bond the team and a Community Assessment Survey that prescribed the pace of implementation.

Since the outset, the RIC team has led and participated in many activities:

  • One-on-One and Small Group conversations to explain the initiative and process

  • Building relationships and telling personal stories to gauge and encourage acceptance

  • Thoughtful Educational Opportunities to inform the congregation and answer questions

  • A special effort to engage young people and parents to ensure they understand and are comfortable with the RIC initiative

  • The first ever Pride Sunday services at Mount Olivet!

  • Ongoing One-on-One and Small Group Discussions

  • Additional conversation and training with young people and their parents

  • Q&A sessions open to all to help clarify objectives and desired outcomes

  • Additional Education and Learning Opportunities

  • Revision and presentation of Mount Olivet’s’ Welcome Statement

  • An Exploratory Survey to gauge acceptance prior to the congregational vote

Upcoming Event

A major step toward implementation will be a Congregational vote, currently scheduled to take place Feb. 2026. There will be many additional activities leading to that vote.

Questions/Comments?

If you have questions or comments, please contact the team via email below and they will contact you for a conversation and/or answers to your questions.