Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)

In our baptism, God calls us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with every person and to welcome them to the same waters so that we all may be united with Christ in one body. In May 2009, Voting Members from your congregation came together with those from the other 205 congregations of the Florida-Bahamas Synod to share in a time of welcoming at our Annual Synod Assembly. In the course of our time together in worship, Bible study, fellowship and spirited discussion, the assembly adopted a resolution of “Affirmation of Welcome and Inclusion” as an official statement of the mind and intention of our synod:

“The Florida-Bahamas Synod (ELCA) welcomes all people without regard to racial or ethnic distinction, family status, age, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or differing abilities, and invites and encourages all people to participate fully in the life and work of the church and its expressions.”

Please take time to study and carefully consider adoption of a similar statement in your own congregation to make visible our commitment to welcoming all people and as an avenue of social ministry and justice.

Resources are available at Living Together as Lutherans.