SAN ANTONIO (ELCA) - Delegates attending the Triennial Convention of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) responded to several social issues, including restoration of a tax exemption for a Lutheran hospital in Jerusalem, and elected 17 executive board members to guide the work of the women's organization for the next three years.
Women of the ELCA's Sixth Triennial Gathering is meeting here July 5-10 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The organization's three-year theme, "Act Boldly," is being unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote presentations, workshops, community service, business sessions and elections. More than 2,100 women from across the United States and around the world are participating.
Resolutions were brought to the convention by delegates, and they addressed a variety of concerns:
+ Augusta Victoria Hospital: The hospital, operated in Jerusalem by the Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland, is facing revocation of its tax-exempt status by the State of Israel. If the exemption is revoked the hospital may have to pay as much as $350,000 annually in employer’s taxes which will hamper the hospital’s ability to serve Palestinians. Delegates asked that Women of the ELCA’s executive director to write to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and asked members to do the same, requesting the U.S. government’s help to restore the tax exemption.
+ Effects of globalization: Delegates expressed concern about economic globalization and its effect on women and families living in poverty. They resolved that Women of the ELCA continue to provide education and awareness of the effects of globalization, encourage women to work with local global mission committees to learn about injustices related to globalization, and advocate for women throughout the world by participating in events and workshops which help churches and communities in overcoming injustices and poverty.
+ Peace and Justice in War Torn Lands: Gladys Beyan, a woman of the ELCA and member of Capitol Hill Lutheran, Des Moines, Iowa, is returning to her homeland of Liberia to work for peace in her country by running for president of Liberia. Women of the ELCA resolved to hold her and all others working for peace in their lands in prayer. A request was made to have Beyan address the delegates.
"I know the road is rough and I know the road is risky, but I trust God," said Beyan. Liberia’s presidential election will take place Oct. 11, 2005.
+ Water Action Plans: Delegates showed concern about women and children affected by water shortage and pollution. They resolved that the Women of the ELCA promote awareness on water issues and that the churchwide women’s organization encourage the 64 synodical women’s organizations to create awareness of local and regional water issues a priority. Promotion includes adding Web pages and links to the churchwide women’s organization Web site and the Women of the ELCA Web site to display information on current water issues in ELCA regions.
+ Recognition of the 35th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women: The year 2005 is the 35th anniversary for the ordination of women in the Lutheran church in North America. Delegates resolved that the Women of the ELCA affirm and promote efforts to celebrate the anniversary with special observances and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the lay and ordained women of the church in the "past, present and future."
+ Tribute to the Commission for Women: The ELCA Commission for Women has "acted boldly" for women of the church, said a resolution the delegates adopted. Delegates gave tribute to the ELCA Commission for Women by acclamation and in the recorded minutes.
+ Delegates referred two resolutions to the executive board for consideration. One called for the creation of a Women of the ELCA foundation; a second asked that the organization consider celebrating its 2011 or 2014 Triennial Gathering at a site in the Caribbean.
Women of the ELCA Executive Board Elected
The convention elected its executive board to three-year terms:
+ Susan Alston-McRae, Jersey City, N.J.
+ Deborah K. Ash Goode, Mesa, Ariz.
+ Wanda S. Bledsoe, Murrieta, Calif.
+ Diane L. Brauer, Lincoln, Neb.
+ The Rev. Rosalind M. Brathwaite, Astoria, N.Y.
+ Linda M. Buckel, Bittinger, Md.
+ Desiree A. Cole, Waukegan, Ill.
+ Susan J. Humphrey, Tulsa, Okla.
+ Cam Martin, Minocqua, Wis.
+ Ida Jeanne Smith, Chambersburg, Pa.
+ Denise B. Smith, Eagle River, Alaska
+ Charlene Spillmann, Kyle, Texas
+ Marie A. Tesch, Waseca, Minn.
+ Geneva Wallace, Lusby, Md.
+ Bunny B. Wessinger, Irmo, S.C.
+ Beth G. Wrenn, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.
+ Donna J. Yourell, Muskego, Wis.
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Information about the Women of the ELCA's Sixth Triennial Gathering is at http://www.womenoftheELCA.org on the Web.
* Kirsten H. Boettner is a senior communication major at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. This summer she is an intern with the ELCA News Service.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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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
