Lutherans Writing About Ethics

     ROSEMONT, Ill.  (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is in the middle of developing a book of essays on Lutheran ethics, "with different perspectives, emphases and topic references."  The authors met here May 30-31 to share outlines of their essays and to identify points at which they might cross-reference each other.
     "The essays in the book will address perennial themes and contemporary challenges in Lutheran ethics, provide Lutheran perspectives on moral formation and examine how Christian freedom is shaped by God's commandments," said the Rev. Karen L. Bloomquist, ELCA director for studies.
     "Portions of Paul's Epistles will be discussed as they relate to moral deliberation in the life of the congregation.  Historical African American Lutheran sources of moral thought will be given attention in relation to what have been the more dominant traditions," she said.
     "The authority of the church's ethical witness will be considered in light of God's promise.  The reforming dynamic of Lutheran theology will be drawn upon to address new challenges we face at the end of the 20th century," said Bloomquist.

     The authors are:

     *         Dr. Robert Benne, professor of religion, Roanoke College, Salem,  Va.;

     *         The Rev. James M. Childs Jr., dean and professor of ethics,   Trinity Lutheran Seminary,
                Columbus, Ohio;

     *         The Rev. David E. Fredrickson, associate professor of New  Testament,  Luther Seminary,
                St. Paul, Minn.;

     *         Dr. Reinhard H?tter, associate professor of Christian ethics,   Lutheran School of Theology
                 at Chicago;

     *         The Rev. Richard J. Perry Jr., assistant professor of church and  society,  Lutheran
                School of Theology at Chicago;

     *         Dr. Larry Rasmussen, professor of social ethics, with doctoral  candidate,  Cynthia
               Moe-Lobeda, Union Theological Seminary,  New   York; and

     *         Dr. Martha Ellen Stortz, professor of historical theology and  ethics, Pacific Lutheran
               Theological Seminary, Berkeley, Calif.

     Responding to several actions of the ELCA's 1995 Churchwide Assembly, the Church Council asked the ELCA Division for Church in Society to develop the book.  Bloomquist and the Rev. John R. Stumme, ELCA associate director for studies, will edit the volume.
     Augsburg Fortress, publishing house of the ELCA, is expected to publish the volume as a Fortress Press book in 1998.  Early in 1998 ELCA pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers will receive invitations to get complimentary copies.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html