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.

The Rev. Jane Ralph

jane Jane Ralph was ordained April 24th 1992 and served as pastor of St. James Lutheran Church, Ddrector of The Child Abuse Prevention Ministry in a synodical call to Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry and as pastor of King of Glory Lutheran Church all in or around Kansas City, MO before being removed from the ELCA roster in 1998.

Since then Jane's ministry has taken many turns and she has found herself working in media advocacy for GLAAD, homeless ministries and services at N Street VIllage in DC and COTS in Burlington, VT, and as Multicultural Outreach Coordinator for Holden VIllage. Along the way her unpaid work included significant investment in Soulforce, Anti-racism work, faith based community organizing and leadership in LLGM.

In June 2007 Jane was selected as Executive Director of the Clarina Howard Nichols Center in Morrisville, VT a feminist organization dedicated to ending sexuala and domestic violence through survivor centered service and advocacy.

Jane and her partner, Ellen Maxon live in Worcester, VT with their dog, Mocha.

Sermon: Ezekiel37

Call To Witness (2006)

Offering insight into the current struggles over sexuality within organized religion, Pam Walton's groundbreaking documentary tells the stories of three openly gay and lesbian Midwestern Lutheran pastors who have taken a stand against their own church. The film clearly and skillfully outlines the contradictions within a church that supposedly welcomes lesbians and gay men -- but at the same time condemns them.

Starring: Steve Sabin, Jane Ralph, Jeff Johnson, Anita Hill, Phillis Zillhart, Ruth Frost ...
Director: Pam Walton
Genre: Documentary/Religion