ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- The 1999 Women of Color Gathering of the = Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) came to a close with worship = here July 7 at the Marriott Pavilion Downtown.
About 400 African American, American Indian and Alaskan Native, Asian = and Pacific Islanders, Latina, Middle Eastern and Arab, and European = American women gathered July 5 under the theme "For Such A Time As This," = based on the Bible verses Esther 4:13-14.
The Rev. Angela Shannon led the "sending worship." The Rev. Ivis = LaRiviere-Mestre preached, meditating on the gathering's theme. The = biblical account of the life of Esther reflected on the idea that she had = come to royal dignity for such a time as this -- a time of persecution and = slavery for her people. Mestre said Esther serves as a role model for = women of color.
During worship, a resolution that asks Women of the Evangelical = Lutheran Church in America, the women's organization of the ELCA, to = practice inclusivity and continue to support anti-racism training was = presented. The resolution will be given to delegates for consideration at = the Women of the ELCA's Fourth Triennial Convention.
"Live God's Justice" is the theme of the convention July 8-12 here = at the America's Center.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
