Lutherans Concerned North America DBA ReconcilingWorks

Lutherans for Full Participation. Mission Statement: Working at theintersection of oppressions, Lutherans Concerned/North America (akaReconcilingWorks) embodies, inspires, advocates and organizes for theacceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations andgender identities within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and globalpartners.Founded in 1974 as Lutherans Concerned for Gay People, LutheransConcerned/North America adopted a new name for its ministry in June of 2012,ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation. The new name is a statementof faith and effectiveness better stating in a single word what the organizationprovides, one of its central core values, and its track record in organizingpeople and money to create change toward justice in church and society forpeople of all sexual orientations and gender identities.   The rebranding process will take three years, culminating at theorganization’s triennial legislative assembly in the summer of 2015.  At present, incorporation and IRS tax exemptstatus continues under the name Lutherans Concerned/North America.ReconcilingWorks is registered as an additional brand name. Tax ExemptDonations may be made to either name.Vision Statement for the churchand society when our mission is fulfilled: Freed by God's grace, the body ofChrist on earth leads a joyous dance of transformation, integrating sexualityand spirituality, justice and mercy. Through continuous reformation, the Churchembraces in holiness and into wholeness people of all sexual orientations andgender identities, strengthening us for authentic, visible, faithful lives.Dedicated to radical reconciliation, the Church falls into the heart of God'spassionate intent, co-creating a world without outcasts, calling all to serveas guests and hosts at God's table of blessing and power.Current Strategic Directions:1.      Expand and deepen our Reconciling Programs includingour public lists of Reconciling Lutherans, roster of Reconciling in Christcongregations, synods, organizations, colleges, campus ministries andseminaries.  2.      Change the church, change the world, changethe church.    The church is notisolated from the world. Indeed the church’s mission is to and in the world.Our faith compels us to speak out, bringing our Lutheran voice to bear onsocietal problems, exercising our faith through witness, education andpersuasion. 3.     Policy topractice. Our work is about more than just policy change; it is also aboutchanging the culture of the church so that more inclusive policies are livedout in actual practice. 4.     Working at theintersection of oppressions.  Theroots of oppression, discrimination and bullying on the basis of real orperceived differences are the same, power plus privilege. Our work at theintersection oppressions seeks to reach across affinity and ideological grouplines to increase awareness and inclusion particularly of bisexual, transgender,and gender non-conforming persons as well as persons and congregations ofcolor. Our work is both domestic and international.5.     OrganizationalExcellence.  Sustainability andgrowth depend largely on a clear mission, programming which leads to success,defined lines of power and accountability, clear core values, the right peoplein the right slots, ongoing leadership development of staff and volunteers,succession planning, and continuous development of financial and non-financial resources.