CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) plan to explore the differences and similarities within Christian and other faith traditions. In a new resource called "Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith," religious groups tell "their own stories" about who they are, what they believe and how they practice.=20 The book was presented to the ELCA Church Council at its meeting here April 9-12.
The council is the ELCA's board of directors and serves as the legislative authority of the church between its meetings of the Churchwide Assembly. Assemblies are held every other year; the next is August 16-22 in Denver.
"Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith" features more than 30 faith traditions found in North America. The faith traditions are placed in four categories: world religions unrelated to Christianity, such as Hinduism (or Vedanta) and Buddhism; non-Christian world religions, such as Judaism and Islam; Christian denominations; and non-Christian denominations with Christian roots.
The book was developed by leaders of "Teach the Faith," one of seven ELCA "Initiatives to Prepare for a New Century."
In 1997 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly selected seven Initiatives -- significant areas of ministry for the 21st century. Leadership teams were formed early last year to provide overall guidance for the work of congregations, the ELCA's 65 synods and churchwide organizations. Team leaders help provide an overall picture of how the church may be different as a result of the Initiatives.
For information contact:
John Brooks, 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
