ST. LOUIS (ELCA) Delegates of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 1999 convention asked the organization to "claim an anti-racist identity." The convention adopted a series of resolutions related to its anti-racism effort -- a priority already determined by its executive board for the organization's work through 2002.
The Fourth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA met July 8-11 here at the America's Center. The organization's three-year theme, "Live God's Justice," was unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, business sessions and elections.
Delegates asked Women of the ELCA's executive board to consider proposing a constitutional amendment "to include anti-racism as a principle of the organization." About 4,000 women attended the convention, which included 468 voting delegates.
Speaking against the proposed constitutional amendment, Louise Fletcher, president of the Nebraska Synod women's organization, said as more groups are specifically mentioned in the constitution others remain excluded. Women of the ELCA's constitution already says the organization is "inclusive," she added.
"When anti-racism is strictly a program and not a principle, it is not a way of life," said Jackie Chattopadhyay, executive board member, Tustin, Calif., who spoke in favor of the proposal.
"What we do in our efforts to learn to live together is not something we can do by reading a pamphlet or a book," said Carol Hines, executive board member, Rapid City, S.D., who also spoke in favor of the proposal. "We seek to change a way of life."
Delegates approved (350-104) the anti-racist identity/constitutional amendment proposal.
Delegates adopted (370-69) a resolution encouraging its local women's organizations to appoint a member of the synod's anti-racism team or a designee to serve as advisor/liaison to the nominating committee for each synod. There are 65 synods in the ELCA, and 64 have women's organizations that relate to Women of the ELCA.
Delegates voted (400-42) to address the issue of membership of the nominating committee for its triennial conventions. Delegates affirmed Women of the ELCA's "commitment to inclusiveness in the nomination and election process" defined in its constitution.
Delegates also resolved (409-28) that the Women of the ELCA "continue to prioritize and affirm anti-racism education in its ongoing efforts to end racism."
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
