March 18, 2008

A new forum, "Lutherans Freed in Christ," announced

We are pleased to announce "Lutherans Freed in Christ" (LFIC), a safe and secure online forum for all LGBT Lutherans, including those from the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod – who for personal reasons cannot or choose not to be out. At this forum all LGBT Lutherans will find support and have the space to minister to and interact with one another. There is a permanent link under the Resources button on the left side of the LCNA website, or you can go directly to the forum at http://forums.lcna.org/lfic/.

Developed by members of LC/NA, it shares the understanding of sanctuary held by Lutherans Concerned: "The ministry of Lutherans Concerned, its meetings and its mailing list are protected by our understanding of sanctuary. No participants need fear exposure or abuse in subscribing, joining or attending Lutherans Concerned events. All information which individuals may reveal about themselves is to be honored by others with total confidentiality. Mutual trust and respect, in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, is offered to all who may elsewhere experience alienation, distrust or rejection. For the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we welcome all people to this Sanctuary."

LFIC is designed as a "sanctuary site" that allows participants to interact with each other freely and safely. It takes its inspiration from Galatians 5:1: "For freedom Christ has set us free" and is designed so that "people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, race, ethnic origin, class or Lutheran denominational affiliation might have an opportunity to interact with supportive pastors and friends."

There are public forums or discussion groups, as well as private ones restricted to registered members.

To protect the participants from unsupportive and possibly disruptive individuals, and to foster mutual trust, interested parties will be required to register, be vetted, then approved, before they are allowed see the content of the various forums and threads or to post. The use of fictional screen names is also strongly suggested.

Lutherans Concerned / North America is a pan-Lutheran organization that strives to serve all Lutheran denominations. Many of our early activities were focused on sanctuary. As the movement grew, LC/NA was able to move to a more advocacy stance, at least in dealing with the ELCA. But our members from more conservative denominations felt left behind, because their congregations are where ELCA was 34 years ago, and they are still very much in need of sanctuary.

We hope this forum will begin to meet the needs of the many who live and work in fear of exposure and its possible consequences within their own churches and congregations. Once you have been approved, have a look around and make your opinions and suggestions for improvements or additions in the discussion forum called "Suggestion Box." We hope that while in this forum you will truly be able to feel freed in Christ.

Jerry Vagts, Grassroots Organizing Coordinator, LC/NA