Local Lutheran Church recognized for statement
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 109 Hobson Ave., has been recognized by Reconciling Works, formerly Lutherans Concerned/ North America, as the most recent Reconciling in Christ congregation in Hot Springs.
“This recognition comes after the congregation officially adopted a public statement of welcome for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expression, and a commitment to racial equity,” a news release said. The statement reads in part: “… as a faithful community of believers, we are called to breathe free in Christ by sharing God’s love … We welcome all to breathe free in Christ with us, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, physical or mental ability, or family status. You are God’s breath of fresh air.”
The Rev. Warren D. Freiheit, pastor of the congregation, said in a news release he sees this statement as “a way of including those who have somehow felt God’s love was not extended to them.”
The Reconciling in Christ recognition means that the congregation will be listed on a roster of congregations, organizations and synods in the United States and Canada, that follow the RIC Partner Public Commitments found at https://www.reconcilingwrks.org/ric/aboutric/.
“We welcome Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to the Reconciling in Christ family. It is with love we are called to welcome all God’s children into our congregations, communities, and our world. We thank Prince of Peace for being an active member working for reconciliation and growth within the church so all of God’s Beloveds can share a lived experience of love, welcome, and family,” Aubrey Thonvold, executive director of ReconcilingWorks, said in the release.
The community is welcome to celebrate with the members in worship at 11 a.m. Sunday. A luncheon reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall.
Guest preacher for the day will be Pastor Becca Middeke-Conlin, the director of Evangelical Mission/Associate for Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod.