CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation, Decorah, Iowa, is the latest addition to the list of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Lifelong Learning Partners. The board of the ELCA Division for Ministry approved the designation at its March meeting.
In 2000, the Rev. Bradley C. Hanson founded the Grace Institute at Luther College, Decorah, one of the 28 colleges and universities of the ELCA. Hanson has since retired as a religion professor at the college. He authored "A Graceful Life: Lutheran Spirituality for Today," which Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, published in 2000.
"Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation focuses on deepening Christian faith and engaging those practices that nurture and express that faith. While the Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation welcomes people from other faith traditions or no faith tradition and is open to a breadth of spiritual practices, its central orientation is to the Lutheran tradition," said the board's background information.
The Rev. Richard J. Bruesehoff, director for leadership support, ELCA Division for Ministry, said being certified as one of the church's lifelong learning partners has many meanings, obvious and subtle.
On the surface, he said, Grace Institute will be listed among more than 35 other lifelong learning centers and seminary programs in the ELCA Yearbook. It can claim the designation in its publicity, publicize its mission and programs in ELCA publications, and list its events on the "Lifelong Learning Opportunities" database at http://www.faithandwisdom.org/ on the Web. The Yearbook is an annual directory of ELCA congregations, ministers, units and institutions.
"Just below the surface, however, are opportunities yet to be explored," said Bruesehoff. He said he sees a growing demand for continuing theological education in the ELCA.
"Everywhere I turn I see evidence of the development of the interdependent network of theological education providers," said Bruesehoff. He said he was delighted to welcome Grace Institute to that network.
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
