Working with the LGBTQ+ Accompaniment Team

The purpose of the LGBTQ+ Accompaniment Team is to accompany congregations in their discernment of calling a rostered minister through dialogue, education, advocacy, and support in specifically considering the possibility of extending a call to LGBTQ+ candidates.

We recommend that this work happens during the interim period, well before the congregation's self-study begins, as the results of this process may have implications for the writing of certain parts of the congregation's "Ministry Site Profile (MSP)."  

The call committee, congregation council, staff, and other interested members are strongly encouraged to attend the initial gathering with the Accompaniment Team. Additional gatherings may be scheduled if the congregation desires further conversation.

This process honors the ELCA’s commitment to respect members’ bound conscience.

• Congregations that have made a formal decision, based on bound conscience, not to consider LGBTQ+ candidates may choose to opt out of working with the Accompaniment Team.
   
• This process is intended for congregations that believe they may be open to calling a minister who happens to be LGBTQ+ and want support in discerning that possibility.
   

To begin this process, the congregation president and call committee chair should contact the synod bishop to schedule a gathering with the LGBTQ+ Accompaniment Team.