Hearts Across the Heartland
The Central States Synod, guided by its mission statement to be “united with Christ in baptism, traveling the way of Jesus, joining God’s reign of justice and radical love for the world,” is becoming a more diverse community of faith. With 18 congregations and three campus ministries designated or in the process of becoming RIC communities, and both seminary partners, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and Wartburg Seminary, joining as RIC communities, the Synod is dedicated to growing more diverse and inclusive.
Hearts Across the Heartland is a ministry partner of the Central States Synod participating in the Synod-wide vision of expanding our capacity to welcome all people as beloved of God. HAtH has a particular focus of providing resources and support for anyone at any level of the Synod interested in expanding their welcome of the LGBTQIA+ community.
HAtH is currently co-led by Rev. Meagan McLaughlin and Dee Morin.
History of Hearts Across the Heartland
During the 2022 Synod Assembly, the Central States Synod designated Hearts Across the Heartland (a grassroots organization of LGBTQIA+ affirming members, pastors, and congregations of the synod) as a ministry partner and LGBTQIA+ social justice team for the CSS. This group was formed in 2019 by Kansas City ELCA members and congregations organizing around having a presence at KC Pride and has become a bi-monthly zoom fellowship of those interested in creating a more inclusive church. The synod directed Hearts Across the Heartland to: •develop educational materials on LGBTQIA+ issues and concerns that are being faced in our society for congregations and rostered leaders •create resources and practices to make our synod meetings and spaces more welcoming for LGBTQIA+ persons. •add sexual identity and gender expression to our current diversity training of rostered leaders. •partner with Kansas Interfaith Action, Missouri Faith Voices, and other community groups to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons.
Resources
Learn more about using inclusive and accurate pronouns with this Pronoun Fact Sheet.
Make your congregation and meetings more inclusive using these suggested best practices.
Traveling the way of Jesus: A Biblical Journey Bible Study - Participant Handout
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community.
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
Queer Seminarians & Rostered Leaders in the Lutheran Church
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries organizes queer seminarians and rostered ministers, confronts barriers and systemic oppression, and activates queer ideas and movements within the Lutheran Church.