wfn.org | ELCA Women Support Decade on Nonviolence

[News News <news@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 10, 1999

ELCA WOMEN SUPPORT DECADE ON NONVIOLENCE
99-WO-14-FI

     ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- The executive board for Women of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) introduced a resolution on
nonviolence and children which its Fourth Triennial Convention adopted.
The women's organization joins its efforts in the ELCA with an
international appeal of 20 Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
     The Women of the ELCA convention is meeting here July 8-11 at the
America's Center.  The organization's three-year theme, "Live God's
Justice," is unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote
addresses, workshops, business sessions and elections.
     Nobel Peace Prize laureates have issued an appeal for the General
Assembly of the United Nations to declare a "Decade of Nonviolence
(2000-2010)" and for the year 2000 to be declared the "Year of Education
for Nonviolence" with a special emphasis on children and youth.  The
ELCA Church Council voted in April to support the appeal.
     Delegates approved a four-point resolution the board advanced:
+ "supporting the Nobel Peace Prize laureates' appeal for a 'Decade for
a Culture of Nonviolence' and a 'Year of Education for Nonviolence' with
special emphasis on children and youth;"
+ urging ELCA congregations to "teach, practice and model nonviolence;"
+ affirming ELCA initiatives "focusing on leadership and safe havens for
children;" and
+ asking everyone in Women of the ELCA "to work cooperatively in
identifying strategic ways that adults and youth leadership might learn
the elements of active nonviolent peacemaking and effectively serve and
support victims of violence in their efforts to achieve wholeness, self-respect and peace."

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