Listening Together: Beginning RIC Discernment in the Grand Canyon Synod

Listening. Learning. Discerning — Together

At our 2026 Spring Gatherings, the Grand Canyon Synod has begun introducing an important question:

Should our synod enter a process to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Synod?

Let’s begin with clarity.

This is not a vote.

This is not an argument.

This is the beginning of a listening process.

If the Synod Council brings a resolution forward to the 2026 Synod Assembly, the assembly would be asked to enter a year-long process of discernment and education, with a potential vote taking place at the 2027 Synod Assembly.

Our work right now is not to decide the outcome.

Our work is to discern faithfully—together.

What Is Reconciling in Christ?

The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program, administered by ReconcilingWorks, is a public commitment within Lutheran communities to practices of welcome, inclusion, and advocacy.

While historically centered on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, the RIC framework has expanded to address broader systems of exclusion, including racism, accessibility, mental health stigma, economic marginalization, and gender inequity.

Just as important is what RIC is not:

  • It is not a political platform

  • It is not a purity test

  • It is not agreement on every issue

RIC communities do not claim to have “arrived.” Instead, they commit to ongoing learning, accountability, and repair.

What This Does—and Does Not—Mean

As this conversation unfolds, several important clarifications remain central:

  • Congregational autonomy remains intact

  • No doctrinal change is being proposed

  • No congregation would be required to become RIC

The ELCA entrusts synods to take time with questions like this—thoughtfully, prayerfully, and without rushing.

What Would Discernment Look Like?

If the synod moves forward, the year of discernment would include:

  • Teaching and information sessions

  • Congregational listening opportunities

  • Transparent communication from synod leadership

  • Space for questions and perspectives from across the synod

At the end of that process, a vote would take place at a future Synod Assembly. Regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to pastoral care, accompaniment, and unity in Christ.

Because ultimately, we are bound together by baptism—not by how we vote.

We Want to Hear From You

This conversation is already beginning at our Spring Gatherings, and it will continue across the life of the synod in the months ahead.

We invite you to share your:

  • Questions

  • Concerns

  • Hopes

  • Clarifications you need

👉 Visit and respond at: gcsynod.org/ric

Yo may submit anonymously. If you request follow-up, synod leadership will respond.

Your voice will help shape how we teach, communicate, and discern together in the year ahead.

A Lutheran Word

Our tradition reminds us that unity does not require uniformity.

Discernment takes patience. It takes courage. It takes trust that the Holy Spirit is at work—even when we do not yet agree.

Thank you for entering this conversation with care, curiosity, and faith.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardReconciling in Christ (RIC)Comment