Inclusion

Inclusion is at the heart of our congregation and our ministry.  Intentional welcome and inclusivity is a stated priority for the ELCA, as expressed in the strategic framework, ELCA Future Directions 2025. Through the five goals outlined in this framework, the church has committed to equipping church members to confront racism, discrimination, sexism, homophobia and other divisions; providing an authentic welcome to all; and embracing differences as opportunities to learn about and appreciate God’s beloved and diverse creation.

Reconciling in Christ

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Oak Park is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation.  We have made a public commitment to welcome, include and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people.

Anti-Racism

We believe that there is no place in this world for racism and have devoted time and effort to educating our staff and members on how to confront racism both inside and outside of the church.  We have partnered with Chicago Regional Organizing Against Racism (Chicago ROAR) to provide training to our members and staff.  If you are interested in being part of these efforts, please contact us.

Accessibility

We strive to remove all physical barriers and limitations within our church facility to create a welcoming space in both form and function. A ramp and elevator at the northwest-entrance provides street level access to the worship space and Fellowship Hall. With seating consisting of chairs and pews, wheelchair-bound people can sit where and with whom they want. A seamless t-coil audio system transmits signals directly to hearing aids and an FM signal system provides individualized audio amplification for those who desire support. Ushers are ready with large print bulletins if needed.

Inclusive Language

Language is a powerful tool that can communicate our faith and shape our understanding, values and attitudes toward God and each other. As we worship together and engage each other in service and ministry, we are encouraged to use language that is sensitive to gender, race, class, physical and other differences. As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we are always seeking to learn and to use language that includes all people and affirms their wholeness as God’s people.

We recognize the vast treasure of Bible passages and imagery that we can use to describe God. We want to be intentional in our use of language so that we don’t limit God to only one gender or one image. We use traditional images such as the trinitatrian formula of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We also use gender-neutral images when it is possible and highlight many biblical images that reflect on the variety of ways God is described in the Scripture.

Reducing God to one gender, one image, is theologically unsound and is damaging to those who might wonder if they are truly loved by God. Through language that is biblical, loving, and respectful, we challenge ourselves to be just and faithful.

We recognize that it is a challenge to use inclusive language because it forces us to move beyond what is comfortable and what is familiar in words and images. It is our hope that taking on the challenge to use inclusive language will transform our church and our community to be more loving toward God and each other.

Language is constantly changing just as our understanding of God’s creation and who we are changes. Studying both biblical and world history reveals that our living God is actively guiding us and leading us to grow in Christ.