The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘Crisis mode chaplains’ seek to heal trauma amid unrest ‘It’s grief, active grief, that is played out individually and communally. And it’s everywhere.’ Kelly Sherman-Conroy Lutheran leader and Native American activist
Kelly Sherman-Conroy felt the anguish on the streets following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, concluding that people were aching for more than food and emergency relief.
So the Lutheran leader and Native American activist posted an appeal on Facebook for “clergy, spiritual leaders and mental health leaders who would like to serve as volunteer chaplains.”
More than 100 faith leaders have stepped forward, fanning out at events ranging from State Capitol protests to food distributions to a Juneteenth celebration. They serve as compassionate listeners, helping hands and tension defusers in stressful situations.
“We’re not trying to convert anyone,” said Sherman-Conway. “We’re around so that people have someone to talk to, if they want. And that happens a lot.”
The group, loosely called Interfaith Volunteer Chaplains, can be seen at community events in bright orange shirts with “Chaplain” printed on the backs and with COVID19 masks on their faces. They show up only where invited and arrive with no preset agenda, said Sherman-Conroy. Their work has included handing out slices of donated pizza to the hungry at a church, sitting in the shaded grass with an exhausted woman waiting for groceries, and distributing bottles of water at protests.
Before they head to the streets, the chaplains must attend online training led by Sherman-Conroy — essentially a crash course on cultural sensitivity and trauma.
“The whole idea is to send in people trained a bit on how to be around people in trauma, how to be aware of their own actions, who
understand the crisis mode of volunteering.”
Being visible in crowds doesn’t necessarily mean people rush forward to bare their souls. Most of the time, these chaplains are doing other volunteer work as an entree into conversations. People share with them hesitantly or after checking them out, they said. Only then comes the opportunity to
help process their trauma.
“We’re seeing all stages of grief,” said Sherman-Conroy. “Extreme anger. Sadness. I had someone who couldn’t quit laughing; it was just nerves.
“It’s grief, active grief, that is played out individually and communally,” she said. “And it’s everywhere.”