wfn.org | ELCA Assembly Adopts African Descent Ministry Strategy

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ELCA Assembly Adopts African Descent Ministry Strategy
CWA-26-05-KK

     ORLANDO, Fla. (ELCA) - The 2005 Churchwide Assembly of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted an African
Descent ministry strategy by unanimous vote on Aug. 11. The
strategy features a theological statement, vision, mission
opportunities, goals and "mission actions" regarding pastoral
leadership, worship, witness, discipleship, stewardship, family
ministries, social justice and unity and diversity.
     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of
the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the World Center Marriott
and Convention Center.	About 2,300 people are participating,
including 1,018 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial
assembly is "Marked with the Cross of Christ Forever."
     People of African descent represent 13 percent of the U.S.
population, but only 1 percent of the ELCA membership. Within the
ELCA, 240 congregations have at least 20 percent persons of
African descent in their membership, as cited in the strategy.
The Rev. Julius Carroll IV, director for African American ministry,
ELCA Commission for Multicultural Ministries, said, "Our
denomination has said we want to grow. The African Descent
Ministry Strategy is the engine."
     Cecelia Travick-Jackson, voting member, ELCA Southwest California
Synod, was encouraged by the strategy. "This strategy provides a
framework for people of African heritage to continue their faith
journey with the Lutheran church," she said.
     The history of Lutheranism among people of African descent
extends centuries. Three of the oldest congregations in the ELCA
are in the Virgin Islands, one being founded in 1666 according to
the Rev. Rochelle Lewis, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and co-
author of the strategy.
     The strategy uses the term "African descent" to refer to
African American, African Caribbean and African national
communities, and according to the strategy "is meant to represent
the connection of the North American continent to its roots in
the African diaspora." Including people from the Caribbean in the
strategy vision was an expansion from some earlier ministry
models. "The people from the Caribbean are specific cultural
groups bringing to the ELCA their own culture and history," Lewis
said.
     The Rev. Marcia Cox, voting member, ELCA Metropolitan
Washington, D.C., Synod, encouraged less diversified
congregations. "We are now celebrating 50 years of being
integrated," she said of Augustana Lutheran Church, Washington,
D.C., where she is pastor. Exuberantly referring to the gifts in
her congregation, she said, "We are the wealthiest congregation
in the ELCA. Try this flavor - it is worth your while."
      The Rev. Paul A. Tidemann, voting member, ELCA Saint Paul
Area Synod, expressed gratitude for the strategy. "Our
communities, believe it or not, are becoming increasingly African
as well as African American, and we need these resources," he
said.
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     Information about the ELCA Churchwide Assembly is at
http://www.elca.org/assembly/05 on the Web.

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