wfn.org | Lutheran Make Sound Decisions

[ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE - NEWSBRIEF

April 21, 1997

LUTHERANS MAKE SOUND DECISIONS

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has produced a book,
"Sound Decisions," to help its congregations choose theologically
sound songs to sing in contemporary worship.  According to Scott
C. Weidler, ELCA associate director for worship and music, the
book is a result of ELCA staff answering questions like, "How can
we help worship planners discern which music is acceptable for
singing by a congregation in Lutheran worship?"  Weidler said,
"When planning worship, the juxtaposition of old and new, known
and unknown, traditional and contemporary, can be a daunting
task. It is essential that we employ a breadth of expression for
the full witness of the gospel."  The book helps worship planners
look critically at the text and the music of all songs they
consider for congregational worship and looks at specific
contemporary worship songs.  "Annotations were compiled from the
reactions and comments of ELCA musicians and pastors who reviewed
many examples using this discernment process," said Weidler.  The
book provides information on the liturgical use and performance
practices of contemporary worship songs, and copyright licensing.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html