wfn.org | ELCA Women of Color Gathering Ends with Worship

[News News <news@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 9, 1999

ELCA WOMEN OF COLOR GATHERING ENDS WITH WORSHIP
99-WO-02-MR

     ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- The 1999 Women of Color Gathering of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) came to a close with
worship here July 7 at the Marriott Pavilion Downtown.
     About 400 African American, American Indian and Alaskan Native,
Asian and Pacific Islanders, Latina, Middle Eastern and Arab, and
European American women gathered July 5 under the theme "For Such A Time
As This," based on the Bible verses Esther 4:13-14.
     The Rev. Angela Shannon led the "sending worship."  The Rev. Ivis
LaRiviere-Mestre preached, meditating on the gathering's theme.  The
biblical account of the life of Esther reflected on the idea that she
had come to royal dignity for such a time as this -- a time of
persecution and slavery for her people.  Mestre said Esther serves as a
role model for women of color.
     During worship, a resolution that asks Women of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, the women's organization of the ELCA, to
practice inclusivity and continue to support anti-racism training was
presented.  The resolution will be given to delegates for consideration
at the Women of the ELCA's Fourth Triennial Convention.
     "Live God's Justice" is the theme of the convention July 8-12 here
at the America's
Center.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html