Lutheran Ethicists

For nearly two decades Lutheran ethicists have been meeting annually in a sustained conversation on behalf of the church. Each January some 30 to 45 professors, graduate students, retired professors, pastors, bishops, ELCA Studies staff and others gather to talk about mutually agreed upon topics related to Christian ethics and the church's presence in society. The gatherings take place in early January prior to the annual meetings of the Society of Christian Ethics.

Upcoming Gathering
January 2–3, 2013
Hilton Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
The topic will be Criminal Justice.

Recent Past Gatherings
January 4–5, 2012
Grand Hyatt Washington, D.C.
The topic was "The Challenges of Asymmetrical War to Just War Theory: Conversations between Ethicists and Military Chaplains." Presenters included Gil Meilaender of Valparaiso University, Gary Simpson of Luther Seminary, David Baer of Texas Lutheran University and Martin Cook of the U.S. Naval War College.

January 5–7, 2011
Astor Crowne Plaza, New Orleans, Louisiana
The topic was "Considering Christian Ethics as Drama" with major presentations by Sam Wells. Nancy Arnison, Ryan Cumming, Samuel Keen, and Roger Willer responded.

January 6–8, 2010
Doubletree Hotel, San Jose, California
The gathering topic was "Written on the Heart? Lutherans and Natural Law." Papers were presented by Thomas Pearson, Cristiania Traina, J. Daryl Charles with response to each by David Baer.

January 7–9, 2009
Cenacle Retreat Center, Chicago, Illinois
The gathering focused on "The Intersection of Theology, Science and Ethics." Presenters included Roger Willer, Gayle Woloschauk, and Kevin Powell.

January 2–4, 2008
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center, Atlanta, Georgia
The gathering topic was "Lutherans and the Law in Human Society." John Witte, Jr. presented with responses by Robert Tuttle, Mark Ellingsen and Svend Anderson.

For a complete list of previous Gatherings, click here.