by Jodi Deike, ELCA News Service
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Washington
Office released a resource guide on the war in Iraq, "Peace,
Conflict and Public Church: A Case Study on the Future of Iraq."
Kimberly C. Steitz, director for international public policy,
ELCA Washington Office, said, "The guide comes at a crucial time
as Iraq seeks to establish a sustainable democracy."
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, wrote in the
publication's foreword, "'Peace, Conflict and Public Church: A
Case Study on the Future of Iraq' explores a number of important
questions about U.S. involvement and power in Iraq. For example,
how can our country aid the Iraqi government in improving
security, reducing conflict and promoting reconciliation in Iraq?
In what ways can we witness to the unity shared by all people as
children of God?"
According to an introduction in the publication, the intent of
the guide is to aid Lutheran congregations and other communities
of faith as they discuss difficult issues related to the war in
Iraq. The resource guide is divided into five sections: moral
deliberation, role in nations, current situation in Iraq and U.S.
policy, challenges of global terrorism, and group reflection.
Each section includes discussion questions. The guide is
available through Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, the publishing
ministry of the ELCA.
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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
