wfn.org | ELCA Assembly Votes to Join Christian Churches Together

[NEWS@ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 16, 2003

ELCA Assembly Votes to Join Christian Churches Together
03-CWA-48-JAC*

     MILWAUKEE (ELCA) -- During the 11th plenary session of the
2003 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA), voting members adopted an action to join
Christian Churches Together (CCT), a new ecumenical organization.
     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of
the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 11-17 at the Midwest Airlines
Center.  There are about 2,100 people participating, including
1,031 ELCA voting members.  The theme for the biennial assembly
is "Making Christ Known:  For the Healing of the World."
     "The purpose of Christian Churches Together is to enable
churches and national Christian organizations to grow closer
together in Christ in order to strengthen our Christian witness
in the world," the recommendation said.
     The Rev. Randall R. Lee, director, ELCA Department for
Ecumenical Affairs, addressed the assembly about CCT.  "You have
been a leader in the past," he said.  The ELCA has a chance to be
a leader again by joining CCT.	 CCT is not seeking full
communion, but rather looking to represent unity in Christ, he
said.
     The assembly adopted the action with a vote of 918 to 48.
     Christian Churches Together expects to be officially
launched in 2005 with 25 founding member organizations.
-- -- --
     Information about the ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be found
at http://www.elca.org/assembly/03 on the Web.

*Jessica A. Crane is completing her bachelor of arts degree at
Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.  She is an intern this summer
for ELCA News and Media Production.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news