Synod Outreach

  • Diversity Task Force

    Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression

    The Diversity Task Force on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression is an official entity of the Southeast Michigan Synod. It is comprised of people from diverse sexual and gender orientations both lay and rostered, and works on issues within the church surrounding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people. Additionally, the Task Force offers educational opportunities/resources to ELCA congregations and individuals seeking to explore questions of sexuality and gender.


    Our Mission Statement: The Diversity Task Force on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression is committed to justice and full inclusion of all God’s people within our congregations, the Southeast Michigan Synod, and the ELCA through education, support, advocacy, and faith!


    Virtual meetings are hosted once a month on weekday evenings between September and May (excluding December). With a membership in excess of 150, individuals attend based upon availability. Reflecting the diversity of the group, a variety of congregations and localities are represented from throughout the synod. The Diversity Task Force on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression invites new members, friends, and allies to join us for fellowship as we work for justice and inclusivity in our congregations, synod, ELCA, and society. For further information, or to get involved, please contact Chair Rick Durance at or Rob Montry.

  • Immigration & Refugee Task Force

    The task force meets monthly, via Zoom or in person, on the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:00pm. The goals of the task force include:

    • To further our understanding of what is happening in SE Michigan, Michigan at large, and the United States in issues relating to immigrants, refugees, and asylees.
    • To be a presence in the community in partnership with those working to serve or advocate for immigrants, refugees, and asylees.
    • To educate ourselves and then our congregations about what we can do to journey alongside refugees, immigrants, and asylees.
    • To be a stronger presence within the SE Michigan Synod to further the work of the church’s awareness of and valuation of work in immigration, refugee, and asylee advocacy, justice, and support.

    The task force oversees two subcommittees:

    • Asylum Seekers Support Subcommittee – Organizes material, financial, and physical support for a family of five from Venezuela; offers informal support and resource sharing to multiple other asylum-seeking families in Southeast Michigan; coordinates with Freedom House to meet needs of asylum seekers; organizes fundraisers for asylum seekers.
    • Immigration Advocacy and Church Responsibility Subcommittee- Prepares presentations and trainings to support churches, houses of worship, and local organizations with information necessary to advocate for humane immigration policy, to understand the impact of executive orders on refugees and asylum seekers, and to understand our role in welcoming and protecting immigrants.

    Task force members have developed relationships with and provide updates from a broad spectrum of faith-based and secular entities including: Guardian Angels and AMMPARO, Strangers No Longer, Freedom House, World Refugee Day and Advocacy Week Opportunities, Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services), Church World Service, Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, Michigan United, Immigration Law and Justice Michigan, Border Servant Corp, American Immigration Council, Samaritas, Zaman International, Office of Global Michigan, National Partnership for New Americans, Immigration Justice Campaign, Jubilee Detroit, ELCA Advocacy, ABISA, SEMI ELCA Synod Justice Committees and Task Forces, as well as state and national legislative updates from a variety of sources.


    If interested in participating in or learning more about the Immigration & Refugee Task Force, please contact Chair Jessica Beamer.