wfn.org | Women of the ELCA Shift Emphasis From Poverty to Crisis

[ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 13, 1996

WOMEN OF THE ELCA SHIFT EMPHASIS
FROM POVERTY TO  CRISIS'
96-WO-16-AH

     MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA) -- A focus on "Women and Children Living in
Poverty" that began six years ago will shift to "women and children in
crisis" based on action taken at the Third Triennial Convention of
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America meeting here July
12.  A resolution that called for extended programming and funding for
"Women and Children Living in Poverty" was amended from the floor.
     Women of the ELCA designates a triennial emphasis; the
organization functions on a three-year cycle.  The emphasis on Women
and Children Living in Poverty has been extended twice by the
organization's Executive Board.
     The original motion from the synodical women's organization in
Northwest Washington asked the organization to "continue to support
and affirm all women and children in poverty through programming and
funding ... by extending this programmatic agenda through the year
2002."
     Since 1990 "women have become increasingly involved in promoting
justice for low-income women and children through education, service
and empowerment projects and advocacy," according to background
information.  In 1996 the organization budgeted about $500,000 for
programming and grants related to the emphasis, according to Jonathan
Kalkwarf, finance director for Women of the ELCA.
     Convention discussion centered around delegates' concern that the
emphasis should be broadened.  Others said the problems of women in
poverty deserve particular attention.  An amendment to specify women
with disabilities was defeated.
     Elaine Adams of Indianapolis pointed to increased numbers of
people served by programs for the poor.  "Women and children in
poverty are in crisis situations.  This belongs at the heart of the
church."
     Janet Calico, Dallas, said the organization needs "a new vision."
 Zelda Stevenson, Great Falls, Mont., said "the job of Women and
Children Living in Poverty is not completed."  To define "crisis,"
Jackie Chattopadhyay, St. Anthony Village, Minn., listed "abuse,
gangs, poverty, drugs, drunk driving, divorce and homelessness."
     In a related action the convention resolved: "That Women of the
ELCA recognize the need to eliminate waste and abuse in the current
system, just as we recognize the need to empower people to move toward
supporting themselves and their children, but that the focus of
any attempt at reform should be to eliminate poverty by promoting
meaningful employment and achievement of self-sufficiency; and,
     "That Women of the ELCA seek ways ... to express our concerns
about families, not just women and children in poverty, to our
representatives in Washington, D.C., and state legislatures
to decrease taxes and to reduce rules and regulations on businesses,
for we know that only healthy, profit producing businesses can provide
good and meaningful jobs."
     The convention addressed other issues including violence in the
media, voluntary efforts to build churches, support for families
affected by AIDS, building family relationships, diverse approaches to
Bible study and support for the ELCA Braille and Tape Service.

     For information contact: Ann Hafften, Dir., ELCA News Service,
(312) 380-2958; Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Dir., (312) 380-2955; Lia
Christiansen, Asst. Dir., (312) 380-2956