SEACAUCUS, N.J. (ELCA) -- An inter-Lutheran network of individuals and agencies involved in ministries supporting people affected by the HIV virus and AIDS was officially organized here Nov. 6, eight years after an informal group of Lutherans began meeting around the subject of spiritual and medical care for AIDS patients.
About 90 people attended the three-day conference Nov. 4-6, sponsored by the Lutheran Aids Network (LANET), an organization made up of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Dr. Kristine Gebbie, New York, who has been the first National AIDS Policy coordinator, was elected president of the new nine-member LANET board. Gebbie is a member of an ELCA congregation.
LANET's new by-laws declare that it intends to promote HIV/AIDS education among Lutherans and provide "clear and comprehensive information regarding prevention" of AIDS.
The group says it will also advocate for the physicial, emotional and spiritual health and for the human rights of people touched by the effects of the virus, and provide spiritual support for persons affected.
LANET will also be the "visible presence of the Lutheran traditions" in HIV/AIDS interfaith dialogue and gatherings.
At the conference here, meeting around the theme "Hope, Help and Healing: A Lutheran Challenge," The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, preached at the opening worship service. The Rev. Martin E. Marty, a Lutheran theologian at the University of Chicago, spoke of the theological framework for health care.
Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro of Kenya, head of the Lutheran World Federation's office for women, spoke of the rapid growth of AIDS on the African continent.
Former Illinois Senator Paul Simon was honored by LANET for his public work in health care and concerns for those affected by the HIV/AIDS virus.
The Rev. Bruce H. Davidson, St. John's Lutheran Church, Summit, N.J., was elected vice president; and the Rev. Janet B. Grill, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, was elected secretary.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or
NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
