DENVER (ELCA) -- Concerned about the well-being of children, the 1999 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a resolution that will urge congregations to work toward a "Christ-centered, positive environment" for children in families, congregations and communities. The resolution received a 99.6 percent approval.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 16-22 at the Colorado Convention Center. There are more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,039 voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Hope for a New Century."
Developed by a task force of the ELCA's initiative to help children, the resolution calls for prayer for the well-being of all children, especially for the "poorest and most at risk." The ELCA will seek to declare its congregations as "safe havens" for all children, developing "creative programs" to meet the needs of children in the congregation and community with special emphasis on those who are hungry, homeless, abused, lonely and subject to violence.
The resolution said more than 14 million children under age 18 and five million under age six in the United States live in poverty, according to the U.S. Bureau of Census, unpublished data, March 1998. More than four million children experience severe to moderate hunger, and "every day more than three children die as a result of abuse or neglect," according to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, 1996.
The assembly voted to support public policy that advances the well-being of children and their families through the church's advocacy offices.
"Help the Children" is one of seven ELCA "Initiatives to Prepare for a New Century."
"Children are just not the future, they are the present," said Joanne Negstad, president and CEO for Lutheran Services in America, St. Paul, Minn. Negstad chairs the "Help the Children" Initiative team.
In 1997 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted seven Initiatives -- significant areas of ministry for the 21st century. Leadership teams were formed early last year to provide 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.
Child-care rooms are set up at the assembly for the children of voting members. Children are creating world hunger bowls and participating in music, arts and crafts at the "Children's Corner." The children presented the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, a hand-painted stole in gratitude for his commitment to the "Help the Children" Initiative. Activities in this center provide examples of what congregations might do to become safe havens for children. The rooms are primarily staffed by trained volunteers.
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
