This exhibition, co-sponsored by PSR’s Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS) and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries(ELM), celebrates the work of ELM, a US-based organization that “affirms and supports LGBTQIA+ Lutheran rostered leaders and those preparing for rostered leadership while engaging allied congregations and ministries to proclaim God’s love and seek justice for all.”

Founded in 2007 to continue the work of Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries (which provided financial support for calls to LGBTQIA+ pastors) and the Extraordinary Candidacy Project (which established a credentialing process for publicly-identified LGBTQIA+ people called to Lutheran ministry), ELM currently provides a candidacy and credentialing process; supports a collegium of LGBTQIA+ rostered leaders; and offers financial support for the ministries of publicly-identified LGBTQIA+ clergy and rostered lay leaders in the Lutheran church.

This exhibition celebrates – in word and art – the prophetic work of ELM, whose archives are now housed at CLGS, by highlighting the stories of several individuals who have been supported in their ministries by ELM and its predecessor organizations from the 1980s to today.

This story begins in the early 1990s when two San Francisco congregations – St. Francis Lutheran Church in the Castro and First United Lutheran Church in Anza Vista – extended calls to openly gay and lesbian pastors, in violation of church policy.

We invite you to explore and enjoy this commemoration and celebration of the past, present, and future of these truly Extraordinary Callings which proudly honor a Holy and Queer Resistance in the Lutheran Church.

The Bade Museum gallery is open to the public on Mondays 10:00am – 2:00pm and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact bade@psr.edu. Admission is free.

There are extended opening hours (10AM-2PM) on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, April 23
  • Thursday, April 25
  • Thursday, May 2
  • The gallery will be open from 10AM-12PM on Monday, April 29

Please note that the gallery will be closed on Monday, April 15 and Monday, May 13, 2019