wfn.org | ELCA Women Adopt Anti-Racism Amendment, Resolutions

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 13, 1999

ELCA WOMEN ADOPT ANTI-RACISM AMENDMENT, RESOLUTIONS
99-WO-28-JB

     ST. LOUIS (ELCA)   Delegates of the Women of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 1999 convention asked the organization
to "claim an anti-racist identity."  The convention adopted a series of
resolutions related to its anti-racism effort -- a priority already
determined by its executive board for the organization's work through
2002.
     The Fourth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA met July 8-11
here at the America's Center.  The organization's three-year theme,
"Live God's Justice," was unveiled at the convention amid Bible study,
keynote addresses, workshops, business sessions and elections.
     Delegates asked Women of the ELCA's executive board to consider
proposing a constitutional amendment "to include anti-racism as a
principle of the organization."  About 4,000 women attended the
convention, which included 468 voting delegates.
     Speaking against the proposed constitutional amendment, Louise
Fletcher, president of the Nebraska Synod women's organization, said as
more groups are specifically mentioned in the constitution others remain
excluded.  Women of the ELCA's constitution already says the
organization is "inclusive," she added.
     "When anti-racism is strictly a program and not a principle, it is
not a way of life," said Jackie Chattopadhyay, executive board member,
Tustin, Calif., who spoke in favor of the proposal.
     "What we do in our efforts to learn to live together is not
something we can do by reading a pamphlet or a book," said Carol Hines,
executive board member, Rapid City, S.D., who also spoke in favor of the
proposal. "We seek to change a way of life."
     Delegates approved (350-104) the anti-racist
identity/constitutional amendment proposal.
     Delegates adopted (370-69) a resolution encouraging its local
women's organizations to appoint a member of the synod's anti-racism
team or a designee to serve as advisor/liaison to the nominating
committee for each synod.  There are 65 synods in the ELCA, and 64 have
women's organizations that relate to Women of the ELCA.
     Delegates voted (400-42) to address the issue of membership of the
nominating committee for its triennial conventions.  Delegates affirmed
Women of the ELCA's "commitment to inclusiveness in the nomination and
election process" defined in its constitution.
     Delegates also resolved (409-28) that the Women of the ELCA
"continue to prioritize and affirm anti-racism education in its ongoing
efforts to end racism."

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