Statement of Welcome

The Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA, declares that each of us is created in the image of God, and beloved by Jesus Christ. Rooted in Jesus’ ministry of liberation, unconditional love, and hospitality, we strive to welcome all into fully inclusive community. This welcome explicitly includes those who have traditionally been marginalized in the church and society due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, racial and ethnic background, physical ability, developmental ability, citizenship/documentation status, or socio-economic status. We recognize the intersectionality of those who embody multiple experiences of marginalization, and seek to actively support and not perpetuate harm. We are committed to the work of celebrating diversity in all of its expressions, doing the work of self and community learning in the practice of equity, and cultivating safe places for affirming inclusivity. We seek to be shaped and changed by God through those called into our congregations and shared ministries.