Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations
That they may all be one
~ John 17:21
The quest for Christian unity in the world inspires the faith and shapes the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA office of Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations has the task of assisting this church in that quest.
Study Guide for Discover Islam DVD Series
ELCA synod offices, seminaries and members of our nationwide Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Representatives Network recently received a generous gift from Discover Islam – USA: complimentary copies of a six-disc DVD series titled Discover Islam. This series, endorsed by the Islamic Society of North America, can also be previewed and purchased at www.discoverislam.com. | Read more
Download study guides | DVD Series information
Lutherans to discuss ecology online on May 12
Using a new interactive online format, the Lutheran World Federation is promoting a wider conversation on ecological justice in the global communion. On Saturday, May 12, 2012, church leaders, pastors, youth and women leaders and other church workers as well as ecumenical partners are invited to participate in its first virtual conference. Under the theme "green & just" participants can listen to keynote speeches subtitled in English, French, Spanish and Germanand engage in real-time discussion with the speakers. Two Bible studies - also subtitled in four languages - will open up theological perspectives on the care for creation. Sixteen webinars will be offered to dig deeper into topics like deforestation or the preparation for the Rio +20 conference. In addition to theevents, participants from around the world can meet each other in the lounge area of the website and encounter each other directly.
The virtual conference is open for registration for everybody free of charge. The technical requirements are a computer with Internet connection and standard Internet software. Access is also possible for mobile devices with Internet connection. The virtual conference starts at 11.00 GMT and ends at 19.00 GMT (that is 6 AM to 2 PM Central Standard Time). Participants in different time zones can join at different times.
The 2012 "LWF together" campaign of the LWF Youth desk will also be launched that day.
Pilgrimage of Trust in Chicago
A Taizé gathering that is part of the Pilgrimage of Trust across the earth will take place in Chicago from 25 to 28 May 2012 (Memorial Day Weekend), the first gathering of its kind in North America. The venue will be DePaul University in Chicago. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 from the US and Canada are invited to apply by April 30.
See:
http://www.taize.fr/en_article12737.html
NALC and ELCA leaders meet for the first time
February 6-7, 2012, Indianapolis, Indiana
In response to a resolution passed by the 2011 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), seeking conversation with the North American Lutheran Church (NALC), four representatives of each church body met on February 6-7, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN for discussion of areas of disagreement, interest and concern.
Practical matters related to local mission and ministry were also significant topics of discussion, with hopes of future resolution.
This meeting, which was the first between the two bodies since the formation of the NALC in 2010, constituted an opening of lines of communication between the two churches. The representatives discussed the possibility of future meetings.
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46th International Ecumenical Seminar
July 4–11, 2012, Strasbourg, France
What to Do about 2017? The Ecumenical Challenge of an Anniversary
The 46th International Ecumenical Seminar is sponsored by the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France. It is a week-long event that brings together experts in ecumenical theology and participants from Christian churches the world over. Under the spell of this enchanting Renaissance city, outstanding lectures and spirited discussion combine with the job of meeting Christians from different countries and confessions to create a truly unforgettable experience.
A full description of the Seminar along with a registration form can be found on the event website.
To read the most recent newsletter from the Institute for Ecumenical Research, click here.
For general information about the Institute, visit their website at www.ecumenical-institute.org.
Get to know our staff and read about our commitment to living together with Lutherans, Christians, and world religions.
The ELCA shares full communion relation- ships with six churches. Read about full communion, and get to know our partners.
Dialogues between different church bodies can lead to improved inter-denominational relations and the sharing of mission.
The ELCA resides in a world where people have conflicting political and religious loyalties. How do we live together in peace?
Lutherans worldwide combine resources to work on issues like humanitarian aid, human rights and communication.
You are invited to seek new opportunities that shape emerging leaders in the area of ecumenical and inter-religious work.
Discover ways to strengthen relationships and foster cooperation within your own community, in service to the world.
Representatives from an array of Christians around the globe meet in order to witness to the world as one unified Christian voice.
The
Lutheran Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Representatives Network, with members from each of the 65 ELCA synods.
Become familiar with the vocabulary using this helpful collection of words, phrases, acronyms, and their ecumenical definitions.
Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Life (
E-Life) is a window into the everyday ecumenical and inter-religious activity in the ELCA.
If you have any questions about anything on the Ecumenical & Inter-Religious Relations website, please feel free to
email us.