(the following is from a personal Facebook post by Pastor Tom Gaulke from September 8, 2013)

Voters Assembly 9 8 2013, discussion on the motion to become RIC!

Adopted 9/8/2013
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE THE ADOPTION OF AN AFFIRMATION OF WELCOME FOR FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE TRINITY AND BECOMING A RECONCILING IN CHRIST CONGREGATION
Whereas, in recent decades, a large proportion of churches and theologies in the United States and in the world, regardless of denomination, have vocally and vehemently excluded and condemned those outside of social norms, and often still do, and;
Whereas, the shame and alienation from neighbors, families, and faith communities that results from such public condemnation and exclusion are in direct contrast to Christ’s call that his followers might all be One as he and the Father are One, and;
Whereas, it stands against the values of the membership of this congregation to perpetuate hate, violence, exclusion, and discrimination, and;
Whereas, current dominant culture presumes that churches do not welcome all people, especially as welcome pertains to those of various gender identities and sexual orientations, and;
Whereas, we would like to welcome and fully include all people as explicitly and clearly as possible, as equal participants in and members of the Body of Christ,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the First Lutheran Church of the Trinity adopts the First Trinity Affirmation of Welcome, as printed below.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, at the adoption of the Affirmation, witnesses to it by displaying it in places of worship, and publicly.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that as public witness, the First Lutheran Church of the Trinity joins the roster of Reconciling In Christ Congregations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that as public witness, the First Lutheran Church of the Trinity will place an RIC symbol on the church sign, letting visitors know that they are welcome.
Submitted by:
Meg Lauterbach, Charles Charlie Ernest Rumppe