CHICAGO (ELCA) – The Commission for Multicultural Ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will host "Lift Every Voice: A Multicultural Gathering" July 9-11 at the Sheraton World Resort, Orlando, Fla.
Participants at the gathering will observe the different ways congregations of the ELCA worship within a multicultural context; talk about the future of multicultural ministries in the church; celebrate the "unique cultural gifts" of African American, Black and African, American Indian and Alaska Native, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander and Latino/Latina people; and meet congregations from across the country and Caribbean that have successfully invited and retained new members in church.
"Lift Every Voice aptly describes the goal of the 2004 Multicultural Gathering," said Rosemary Dyson, associate executive director, ELCA Commission for Multicultural Ministries. The gathering gives the church "an opportunity to hear all of the unique and special ethnic and cultural voices" of its members, Dyson said.
About 500 Lutherans are expected to attend, she said.
Highlights of the gathering include discussions on the ELCA's plan for restructuring its churchwide office based here, and a "retrospective" on the work of the Commission for Multicultural Ministries. Other features of the event include workshops, worship, music festivals, dance and "Family Night" on July 10. Learning opportunities and creative activities will be provided for children.
The African American Lutheran Association will hold its assembly July 6-8, and the Association of Hispanic/Latino Ministries, Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage, Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders, and American Indian and Alaska Native Lutheran Association will hold assemblies July 7-8.
Dyson said this is the first time the commission will host its multicultural gathering and assemblies together under one theme.
The commission provides advice, counsel and services to ELCA churchwide units and congregations across the country that wish to become more culturally diverse. It works to achieve full partnership and participation of all people in the life of the church and society. It develops resources, training and workshops to help members of the ELCA dismantle racism.
_ _ _
The Commission for Multicultural Ministries has a home page at http://www.elca.org/cmm/ on the ELCA Web site. The site includes information about "Lift Every Voice: A Multicultural Gathering."
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
- - -
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
