ROCKPORT — The Nativity Lutheran Church, in Rockport, has been recognized by ReconcilingWorks as the most recent Reconciling in Christ congregation in Maine. This recognition comes after the congregation officially adopted a public statement of welcome that includes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

The statement reads:

Nativity Lutheran Church welcomes and affirms all people to be who God created them to be. As a community of faith, believing that each individual person uniquely embodies the image of God, we strive to love the way Jesus loved, to value and support each individual, to denounce hatred and discrimination, to advocate against injustice, to be a reconciling presence in our community, and to treat each individual as a beloved child of God. In that spirit, we welcome people of all races, ethnicities, background, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, family situations, ages, incomes, political persuasions, faith traditions and faith experiences. Come as you are, whoever you are. You are welcome here. With you here, we are closer to what God is calling us to be.

The Rev. Wendy J. Anderson, pastor of Nativity Lutheran Church, sees this statement as a continuation of ministry Nativity has been doing and a challenge to do more.

“The people of Nativity are warm and hospitable,” said Anderson, in a news release. “They are also deeply committed to living out God’s love and advocating for justice in our world. Our new welcome statement and our designation as a Reconciling in Christ congregation will remind us not only of who we are but also of who we hope to be: not only a place where we welcome all, but also a place where all feel welcome. And we hope to extend that welcome beyond our own walls and work for justice for all persons in our communities and the world.”

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, which publicly welcome members of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

ReconcilingWorks is a Christian ministry affirming God's love for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Reconciling in Christ is a program of ReconcilingWorks.

Nativity Lutheran Church is located at 179 Old County Road.