ELCA WOMEN OF COLOR GATHER "FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS"
ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- More than 400 African American, American Indian and
Alaskan Native, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Latina, Middle Eastern and =
Arab, and
European American women gathered for the 1999 Women of Color Gathering of =
the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) here July 5-7 at the =
Marriott Pavilion
Downtown.
Under the theme "For Such A Time As This," women created systems of =
support
and shared common issues and concerns through Bible study, community =
caucuses
and workshops.
The gathering opened with worship led by the Rev. Lydia Villanueva, = Iglesia Luterana Esperanza de Santa Maria (St. Mary's Hope Lutheran Church), = Chicago. The liturgy and music was drawn from the ELCA worship resource "Libro de = Liturgia y Cantico" (Book of Liturgy and Song).
Dr. Addie J. Butler, ELCA vice president, delivered the sermon. = Butler reflected on the gathering's theme based on the Bible verses Esther 4:13-14.
The biblical account of the life of Esther reflected on the idea that = she had "come to royal dignity for just such a time as this" -- a time of persecution = and slavery for her people. Butler said Esther was a woman who "spoke out, at great risk, to = save her people."
Workshop topics ranged from racism to criminal justice systems. = Bible study was led by five "weavers." The weavers, representing five ethnic = communities, wove together the threads of thought, concerns and issues that emerged from the = workshops and community caucuses.
A highlight of the gathering was the "Wall of Sheroes." Women were = invited to post pictures and symbols of women that have spoken "words of salvation" = to others.
"For such a time as this, women of color are required to live and = stand faithful to God and the vision of the gospel, which offers solace to the afflicted and = refuge to the weary," said Inez Torres Davis, director of cross-cultural programs for = Women of the ELCA, the women's organization of the ELCA. "The 1999 Women of Color = Gathering aspired to raise up women who will please and serve God through and within = Women of the ELCA and the church at large."
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html =20
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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
