by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
More than 100 anti-racism leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) are meeting Sept. 11-13 in Baltimore
for "At the Intersection of Race and Poverty: An ELCA Capacity
Building and Network Gathering." The gathering brings together
ELCA synod bishops, members of the ELCA Church Council,
churchwide staff, ecumenical partners and others to explore
"the next stage" of anti-racism work in the 65 synods of the
church, according to Shenandoah M. Gale, coordinator for
anti-racism education and training, ELCA Office of the
Presiding Bishop.
"This powerful networking and capacity building event is
the largest gathering to date in direct support of the ELCA's
commitment toward becoming an anti-racist church," said Gale.
She said the purpose of the event is three-fold: to engage
in reflection, mutual support, networking and team formation
and strengthening; cultivate an increased analysis of race,
poverty and wealth; and explore practical skills, resources
and strategies for coordinated analysis and action.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Shakti Butler, executive
director, World Trust Educational Services, Oakland, Calif.,
Dr. Paul C. Gorski, founder of EdChange, St. Paul, Minn.,
and Maggie Potapchuk, president, MP Associates, Baltimore.
"They are nationally and internationally recognized leaders
in racial and economic justice arenas," Gale said.
rossroads, Lutheran Human Relations Association, and Paso
Training and Consulting are hosting workshops. A blog
about the gathering is available, and "Lazarus at the Gate,"
a new ELCA resource on poverty and wealth, will be
introduced at the gathering.
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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
