Photo provided to the Times Observer First Lutheran Church is now a "Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Congregation" and is participating in Warren County Pride Day this Saturday. Members of the church's RIC Task Force showing new banners to be displayed outside the church are, left to right, Pastor Jeff Ewing, Mary Worley, Don Reed, Sally Hawkinson, Ralph Farone and Sandy Wachter. Missing from photo are Kristine Whitaker and John Schwone.

Issues of gender identity and gender expression have at times been choppy waters for churches of all denominations to navigate.

For First Lutheran Church in Warren, that’s meant a year long journey that has culminated in recognition as a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation.

“This was the culmination of a long process by the congregation to determine what it means to be inclusive and welcoming to people of all races and gender expressions,” Don Reed said. “We will be recognized as a Reconciling in Christ Congregation with Reconciling Works, an affiliate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).”

It was a year-long journey to explore what it means for the church to be inclusive to all people and especially welcoming to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions, according to a statement from the church.”

“We felt that we were a welcoming church, but have studied, prayed, and explored what it means to be a truly welcoming congregation, identifying our own questions, beliefs, and feelings. We have turned to resources of our church, held Bible studies and discussions, both one-on-one and in groups, and prayed about the meaning of this for our church and our community. We have concluded that it is easy to say ‘All Are Welcome,’ but can we live up to this simple statement with such far-reaching implications? We pray we can.”

The Reconciling in Christ Program has existed in the Lutheran tradition since 1983 and “has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church,” according to the program website.

For First Lutheran, this was more just exploring the issue — it’s resulted in action.

“As believers in Christ and in response to God’s grace and love we are called to welcome all people. We do not take this lightly. We have prayerfully considered what this means, and have brought this to a vote at our annual meeting; the decision to become a “Reconciling in Christ” Congregation was overwhelmingly approved,” the church said in a statement.

They’ll be participating in Saturday’s Pride Day at Betts Park, as well.

There’s also a welcome statement: “Welcome to First Lutheran Church! All are accepted and affirmed just as we are, with all our differences and gifts – unique children of God. No matter your race, ethnicity, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, social or economic status, we have a place for you. As part of the whole complex, colorful spectrum of God’s creation in all its diversity, we are all one in Christ!”

Information about the church can be found at flcwarren.com or by calling (814) 723-6450 or on social media at Facebook — First Lutheran Church of Warren, Pa.