CHICAGO – Continuing the conversation on its future priorities, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) invites members to participate in the second phase of "Called Forward Together in Christ," an initiative that asks members to consider the kind of church God is calling the ELCA to become.
A paper released July 26 shares key messages discovered through conversations across the ELCA during the first phase of the process. Members are being asked to provide feedback on the findings that emerged. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 9. The paper is available at ELCA.org/future.
In the paper's preface, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, said the 500th anniversary of the Reformation "provides a powerful focal point for reaffirming who we are as a Lutheran church and understanding what God is calling this church to be in its ongoing reformation."
Introduced in April, "Called Forward Together in Christ," is led by Eaton, endorsed by the ELCA Church Council and is in collaboration with the ELCA Conference of Bishops.
Following this process, a statement of future directions and priorities will be considered by the ELCA Church Council at its November 2016 meeting. The goal is to launch the statement in 2017 as part of the ELCA's observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
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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
