2013 Convocation of Teaching Theologians

Market and Margins: Lutheran Perspectives

The annual Convocation of Teaching Theologians, hosted by the ELCA’s Congregational and Synodical Mission unit and the Association of Teaching Theologians — ELCA/ELCIC, will be held August 5-7, 2013 at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina.

The purpose of this gathering, as with previous convocations, is to provide a venue for theologians from ELCA and ELCIC seminaries, colleges, universities and non-Lutheran schools to come together with bishops and other church leaders to examine and discuss a theological topic of significance to the church. The focus of this year’s gathering is: "Market and Margins: Lutheran Perspectives."

Discussions will focus on the impact that the current economic system centered on the notion of “market” is having on people in both the global North and South. We will look at this question primarily from the perspective of those at the margins of that system, where its effects on all are most clearly visible. As a Lutheran Church and as Lutheran Christians committed to social justice, we seek to examine critically the ways in which this system has functioned as well as the theological and ideological claims that are used to support and maintain it. At the same time, on the basis of our Lutheran tradition and our way of reading Scripture, we wish to propose and develop biblical and theological arguments that can promote a system characterized by greater well-being for all, particularly those at the margins. Finally, we will discuss how we might share these ideas and foment further reflection on them in both the church and the classroom. Naturally, the convocation will also offer an opportunity for the participants to engage together in worship and fellowship.

A grant from the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit makes it possible to subsidize the attendance of approximately 65 persons; these persons have received letters asking them to Register Here.

2013 Plenary Speakers

Market and Margins: An Analysis of the Current Global Reality
David Pfrimmer, Waterloo Theological Seminary, Ontario, Canada
Elaine Neuenfeldt, Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland

The Market from a Lutheran Theological and Biblical Perspective
Guillermo Hanseon, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota
Douglas Oakman, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington

Toward a More Just and Inclusive Global Economic System
Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington
Philip Moeller, Institutional Development Specialist, Washington, D.C.

Panel Response
Karen Bloomquist, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
James Echols, ELCA Director for Theological Resources and Networks, Chicago, IL
John Hoffmeyer, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Leila Ortiz, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bishop Wayne Miller, ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, Chicago, Illinois (ELCA Bishop)