wfn.org | ELCA Women of Color Gather "For Such a Time as This"

[News News <news@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 8, 1999

ELCA WOMEN OF COLOR GATHER "FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS"

ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- More than 400 African American, American Indian and
Alaskan Native, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Latina, Middle Eastern and Arab, and
European American women gathered for the 1999 Women of Color Gathering of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) here July 5-7 at the Marriott Pavilion
Downtown.

   Under the theme "For Such A Time As This," women created systems of support
and shared common issues and concerns through Bible study, community caucuses
and workshops.

     The gathering opened with worship led by the Rev. Lydia Villanueva, Iglesia
Luterana Esperanza de Santa Maria (St. Mary's Hope Lutheran Church), Chicago.  The
liturgy and music was drawn from the ELCA worship resource "Libro de Liturgia y
Cantico" (Book of Liturgy and Song).

     Dr. Addie J. Butler, ELCA vice president, delivered the sermon.  Butler reflected
on the gathering's theme based on the Bible verses Esther 4:13-14.

     The biblical account of the life of Esther reflected on the idea that she had "come
to royal dignity for just such a time as this" -- a time of persecution and slavery for her
people.   Butler said Esther was a woman who "spoke out, at great risk, to save her
people."

     Workshop topics ranged from racism to criminal justice systems.  Bible study
was led by five "weavers."  The weavers, representing five ethnic communities, wove
together the threads of thought, concerns and issues that emerged from the workshops
and community caucuses.

    A highlight of the gathering was the "Wall of Sheroes."  Women were invited to
post pictures and symbols of women that have spoken "words of salvation" to others.

     "For such a time as this, women of color are required to live and stand faithful to
God and the vision of the gospel, which offers solace to the afflicted and refuge to the
weary," said Inez Torres Davis, director of cross-cultural programs for Women of the
ELCA, the women's organization of the ELCA.  "The 1999 Women of Color Gathering
aspired to raise up women who will please and serve God through and within Women
of the ELCA and the church at large."

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