CHICAGO (ELCA) -- To examine the changing faith of "Generation X" and the "Millennium Generation," producers for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the United Church of Canada, on behalf of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. (NCC), created "Playing in the Light: Our Changing Faith," a television documentary that features members of the post-modern generations discussing their faith.
"Playing in the Light" is an effort to "take a serious look at some of the personal and spiritual issues for the next millennium," said John Lynner Peterson, director for public media, ELCA Department for Communication.
"The documentary explores the hunger that young people have in their quest for spiritual fulfillment," said Peterson, an executive producer of "Playing in the Light."
"We wanted to show a range of experiences of people in the midst of their journeys both inside and outside belonging to a church," he said.
Dave Pomeroy, an executive producer of the documentary and director for electronic media, NCC, New York, said the video "looks at the nature of ecumenism and how young people understand it."
Callie Long, senior producer, Division of Communication, United Church of Canada, produced "Playing in the Light."
Nine young people between the ages of 16 and 33 from the United States and Canada tell their faith stories, offer opinions on societal issues such as the environment and sexuality, and discuss their fears and hope for the future.
Catherine Jhoen, Ontario, serves as the "guide" for the documentary, Peterson said. Jhoen, a member of a post-modern generation, is not Christian and explores her own spiritual journey through the stories of the young people. Peterson said the selection of Jhoen as guide was intentional; young people could relate to Jheon's age and her questions about Christianity.
ELCA members Anne Edison-Swift, Park Ridge, Ill.; Brandon Morton, Chicago; and John Lawyer, Minneapolis, are among those interviewed in "Playing in the Light." Lutheran Volunteer Corps member Alison Kautz, Seattle, is also interviewed.
"I learned a great deal in the production of this video," Peterson said. Members of post-modern generations face concerns and challenges unique to their generation, he said, such as concern for personal safety, openness in discussing sexuality, a strong concern about the environment and experience with broken parental relationships. "They want a clear sense of belonging. Relationship is essential."
Peterson said he expects the program's audience to span several generations. "Other generations can, should and must learn from each other," he said, citing the documentary as "a significant way to catch the vision of the future of the church."
"A core spiritual hunger remains the same throughout the generations," he said .
Through the NCC, "Playing in the Light" is offered to NBC affiliate stations.
The ELCA is a member of the NCC; the United Church in Canada is a member of the NCC's communication commission.
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
