ELCA Hosts Multicultural Writers' Workshop

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is taking steps to increase diversity in its resources, Bible studies and devotional materials. One way to meet that effort is through the ELCA Multicultural Writers' Workshop, designed to introduce experienced writers to the range of opportunities for ELCA publications. About 20 Lutheran writers attended the workshop here Jan. 14-17.
Review groups from the ELCA's African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Latino communities selected writers to attend the workshop.
"The participants have distinctive voices -- voices that have been nurtured and shaped by their faith and their particular culture," said Elizabeth M. Hunter, editor of Seeds for the Parish, a resource paper for ELCA congregation leaders produced by the ELCA's Department for Communication. =20
"Their voices will greatly enrich the ministry of the ELCA by reaching out to people who previously may have felt that our church could not speak to them, and by weaving the rest of us together in the awareness that, regardless of race or culture, the love of Christ makes us one people," Hunter said.
The annual four-day event gave participants an opportunity to identify audiences and sharpen writing skills for Bible studies, devotional materials, curricula and feature news articles. The workshop also provided tips on specific writing techniques and editing copy. =20
Participants met with editors who produce ELCA publications, videos and curricula at the 1999 Writer's Fair, a special component of the workshop.
"In order to call yourself a writer, you must write every day," said P.K. McCary, a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Houston. "You must write letters to your children, letters that you know will exist long after you are gone. One can write to elders, editors, members of the U.S. Congress and letters to oneself." McCary was a workshop speaker.
McCary is a storyteller and author of "The Black Bible Chronicles: From Genesis to the Promised Land" and "Rapping with Jesus." She said her purpose for writing is to introduce others "to a God that already knows and loves them."
"I wrote 'The Black Bible Chronicles' for African American youth," McCary said. "They were my motivation, even though I found that all children are hungry for the word any way they can get it. The book crossed cultural lines. Black kids liked it, as well as Latino, White and Asian kids. It is wonderful to talk to kids who are enthusiastic about reading the Bible in a 'hip-hop' way."
"Language is my life," said Luis Rodriguez, Chicago. "The conveyance of ideas, sentiments, expressions -- of values and curiosities -- requires a strong commitment to words, to their flavor and significance." Rodriguez was the keynote presenter.
A poet and journalist, Rodriguez is founder and director of Tia Chucha Press, a Chicago-based poetry publishing company, and founder of "Youth Struggling for Survival," an organization that offers alternatives to gangs for youth in Chicago. He has visited juvenile facilities, prisons, public schools, community centers and youth programs throughout the United States.
"Everyone has a voice and a vocation," he said. "It is important for children to understand that. Kids are on a spiritual quest -- something deeper than what is offered in gang life. =20
"Children living in the barrio are expected to fail in society.=20 Those children who persevere are told, 'You are the exception. You are special.' We cannot accept that way of thinking. All children are intelligent. Kids involved with gangs are intelligent and have the ability to write poetry. Society must show our children that they can lead a healthy life."
"The work of the 18 workshop participants will have an impact far beyond their numbers," said Rosemary Dyson, project manager for the Multicultural Writers' Workshop. "These writers will add richness and diversity to ELCA resources." Dyson is director of multicultural education in the ELCA's Commission for Multicultural Ministries.
The workshop is sponsored by Augsburg Fortress Publishers, the ELCA's Commission for Multicultural Ministries, Department for Communication, Division for Congregational Ministries, The Lutheran magazine and Women of the ELCA. =20

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