PHILADELPHIA (ELCA) -- More than 3,200 participants of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Fifth Triennial Gathering had the opportunity to attend more than 30 workshops on a variety of topics designed to explore the theme, "Listen, God is Calling."
Women of the ELCA's Fifth Triennial Gathering is meeting here July 8-14 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The organization's three- year theme, "Listen, God is Calling," is being unveiled at the gathering amid Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, field trips, business sessions and elections scheduled during the week.
Workshop topics included corporate social responsibility, homosexuality and "investing in our children's future." Workshops were organized into three tracks: Hear God's Call," "Respond to God's Call" and "Recognize Your Gifts and Enhance Your Skills."
+ At "Practicing God's Call Daily: Integrity and Ethics in the Workplace," Beckie Steele, director of human resources and communication, Agri Business Group, Inc., Indianapolis, led participants on an examination on the difference between ethical behavior and Christian ethical behavior.
"Christian ethical behavior is different because biblical teachings can be applied to situations," said Steele. She focused on the idea that everyone is an unethical sinner and that having integrity in the workplace is a way to show unconditional love for others. Participants met in small groups and looked through magazines and newspapers to see the moral influences that society has over Christians.
"The real thing about this workshop is the discussion the women have amongst one other," said Steele. "They are still talking about these topics even as they go out the door. I want them to leave with the idea that they should be willing to confront themselves with ethical matters," she said.
+ Participants at "Homosexuality and the Church in Moral Deliberation" learned about the ELCA study on human sexuality and the factors the church must examine on the topic.
The ELCA must look at tradition and the ethics of dialogue when discussing the topic of homosexuality, said the Rev. James M. Childs, Jr., workshop leader and director of the ELCA study on homosexuality.
"We must remember that not everyone who does not want change [in the churches policy on homosexuality] is homophobic," said Childs. "And we must also remember that not everyone who thinks we should change is a 'Bible-doubter' or liberal," he said.
Currently, the ELCA permits people who are homosexual in their self-understanding to be ordained, but they must refrain from homosexual sexual relationships.
+ At "Investing in Our Children's Future. It's Not Only Smart, It's What Our Faith Teaches," Kay Bengston, assistant director for advocacy and domestic policy, Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs (LOGA), Washington, D.C., led participants on a discussion about how Women of the ELCA can make a difference in the lives of children and families living in poverty.
"Kids are most hungry during the summer when they don't have access to food outside of school," said Bengston. "Summer food has become important given welfare programs as they now exists." Bengston said that summer programs are needed to increase children's ability to learn, engage in physical activity and have access to food, so that children can grow in a positive way.
Although the percent of children living in poverty in the United States decreased in the late 1990s, the depth of poverty among many very poor children and their families has increased, Bengston said. "How can we make a difference in the lives of these families? How do we address the barriers many parents face to achieving self-sufficiency? Is marriage promotion the best way to assist children living in poverty?" she said.
One way to address these questions and make a difference is to write letters to U.S. Senators, Bengston suggested to participants. She provided paper, envelopes and "talking points" to guide participants in their letter writing. She encouraged participants to support U.S. Senate floor amendments that would increase funding for child care, define income supplements provided to low-wage workers and ensure racial equity and fair treatment to all people. -- -- -- Editors: Photographs from Women of the ELCA's Triennial Gathering are maintained at http://www.elca.org/wo/events/tg/tg02/connect/photos.html on the Internet.
News releases and other information about the gathering are maintained
at http://www.elca.org/wo/events/tg/tg02/connect/news.html on the
Internet.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez, newsroom manager (215) 418-2045 or mramirez@elca.org
*Amy Wineinger is a junior at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. This
summer she is an intern with ELCA News and Media Production.
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
