Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) is committed to the full participation of persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life and ministry of the Lutheran church.

Crisis Response

Are you thinking of coming out? Have you been outed?

The ELM Crisis Response Team is here for you. It is important that you follow their valuable advice and experience.

What to do:

• Call the ELM Crisis Response Team at (802) 839-8075 during business hours (EST) or (802) 229-5939 during weekends and non-business hours. You can also email us at crisis@elm.org (suggested subject "Pastor requests response from ERT" or similar). Messages will be returned within 24 hours, and if you do not get a response within 24 hours, please try again. ALL information is treated as confidential.
• Do not agree to any action or settlement. Tell your bishop that you need time to respond.
• Contact our team and talk through the logistics or your situation. We will connect you with emotional support for other LGBT pastors who have been in your situation.
• You should be present at any meeting that the congregation or council conducts. You need to hear what is being said about you. Take a support person with you.

Keep these things in mind if the bishop wants to talk with you because you have been outed or have come out.

Our crisis response team is here for you.