CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Division for Ministry approved three new Lifelong Learning Partners when it met here Oct. 12-14. The distinction means that the church will include them among more than 35 other lifelong learning centers and seminary programs providing theological education beyond the traditional classroom.
The Luther Institute, Washington, D.C., advances the role of faith and ethics in public life through seminars, conferences and publications for clergy and lay people of all Lutheran church bodies. The institute recognizes and serves leaders, scholars, educators and those in social ministries, both within and outside the Lutheran community. The ELCA Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod recommended the institute's approval as a Lifelong Learning Partner.
The Office of Church Relations at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Wash., provides educational resources for pastors and lay leaders, among its other university responsibilities. The office offers continuing education to congregational leaders in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States throughout the year. The ELCA Southwestern Washington Synod recommended it to the Division for Ministry.
The Hispanic Evangelical Lutheran Institute has been an educational ministry of Iglesia Luterana Principe de Paz in Houston since 1998. The institute provides Bible studies, two-day seminars and spiritual retreats in Spanish for the Hispanic ministries of the ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. It is expanding to offer continuing education in the fields of vocational studies, pastoral care and theological studies to church leaders from the Houston area and all of Latin America.
The Rev. Richard J. Bruesehoff, director for leadership support, ELCA Division for Ministry, said Lifelong Learning Partners can claim that designation in their publicity to ELCA members.
They can also list their events in the "Lifelong Learning Opportunities" database at http://www.faithandwisdom.org/ on the Web, said Bruesehoff. The searchable database locates learning opportunities throughout the world. The Web site is supported by the ELCA, The Episcopal Church, USA, and United Methodist Church.
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
