CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Members of LutherLink, the online electronic mail and conferencing system of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will soon be able to use an updated version of their online system that offers multiple access methods and reduced user fees.
Ecunet, the organization that encompasses LutherLink and the integrated online services of 21 other faith groups, will launch a new version of its online system May 1, said David Pozzi-Johnson, president of the Ecunet board of directors. He is also director for information technology, World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland.=20
The new version will enable Ecunet to accommodate thousands more members and eliminate system overloads.
"The LutherLink section of Ecunet provides an indispensable Internet connection for ELCA leaders," said the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, director of = the ELCA Department for Communication.
"We look forward to the new Ecunet with its increased capacity, reliability and gifts for storytelling in our ELCA community and outreach with the gospel," Shafer added.
Easy access and simplicity has made the system popular with clergy and lay members who are able to stay connected electronically with each other and with denominational leaders throughout the world, he said. =20
Members can transmit personal messages or join in a multitude of online "meetings," where they can share their views on a variety of specific faith-related subjects.=20
Nearly 15 years old, the popularity of Ecunet has led to so many members the system has outgrown its technical capacity.
To address the problem, Ecunet's interfaith board of directors entered into a partnership with OnePlace, LLC, of Greensboro, N.C., to create a new and improved operating system. The new system is expected to begin testing in March and will be in full operation by May.
It will cost members an annual fee of $28.95. Ecunet will be accessible by direct dial, a web browser or Internet mail. It will also allow continued support for members without Internet-capable equipment, Pozzi-Johnson said.
"I'd welcome the new Ecunet because the old Ecunet had outgrown itself," said the Rev. Charles M. "Chuck" Austin, Christ Lutheran Church, Ridgefield Park, N.J. Austin is among those who has been using Ecunet and LutherLink almost since its inception.
"For me, there are two key things in Ecunet," Austin said. "One is the ability for anyone to start, join or leave meetings on any topic. The other key factor is the contact it gives me with church people of various persuasions and interests."
Financial support from the ELCA, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the worldwide Anglican community have helped make possible the transition to the new system. Other denominational networks also provided support and expertise.
Lutheran Brotherhood, a fraternal benefits society based in Minneapolis, provided a $30,000 grant to help pay development and transition costs for the new system.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director 1-773-380-2958 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
