wfn.org | ELCA Women Affirm Stronger Families, Deal with Resolutions

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 14, 1999

ELCA WOMEN AFFIRM STRONGER FAMILIES, DEAL WITH RESOLUTIONS
99-WO-32-JB

     ST. LOUIS (ELCA) -- Delegates to the Fourth Triennial Convention
of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a
series of resolutions to uphold healthier families, support efforts to
minimize spouse abuse and address various other issues.
     The convention met here July 8-11 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.  About 4,000 women attended the convention,
which included 468 voting delegates.
     Delegates resolved (429-22) that Women of the ELCA "shall affirm
and promote programs that uphold family life and healthy relations
between children and their care givers."  The resolution advocated for
schedules "that allow families of children who are active in sports,
school or community activities to continue to nurture their faith within
their homes and churches."  The resolution also asked members to write
letters in support "of television programming that portrays positive
role models."
     The resolution was submitted by representatives of the ELCA's
Rocky Mountain Synod -- one of the ELCA's 65 synods.  It noted "the
tragedy at Columbine High School calls on us to evaluate carefully how
our society deals with children."
     "The Columbine tragedy was something that deeply affected the
country and our synod," said Diane Frederick, delegate from the Rocky
Mountain Synod.  "We don't want this to happen anywhere else."  She
emphasized that the resolution asks Women of the ELCA to address the
potentially "negative influences" of television.
     Delegates called (448-2) on the Women of the ELCA, its synodical
boards and congregational units "to continue to address domestic
violence and spousal abuse" with current resources and to post the
resources in appropriate locations.  The resolution also called on units
of Women of the ELCA "to affirm local ministries dealing with domestic
violence through advocacy, donations and volunteerism."
     Delegates referred to the Women of the ELCA executive board a
proposal that the organization remain active in preventing the breakdown
of family units "through coordination with community resources and
development of curriculums, resources and programs" to maintain healthy
marriages; furnish parenting education; host "adopt-a-grandparent"
programs; support extended families; provide educational programs on
financial management, nutrition, income opportunities, job seeking and
job maintenance; and offer grants, guidance and support for furthering
of education.

APPROVED
     The delegates approved several other resolutions.
     + Delegates encouraged each participant within its member units
"to engage in mentoring one woman at a time with personal commitment,
spiritual fellowship and individual invitation."  (435-3)
     + Delegates requested a representative be present at annual
national gatherings of the Lutheran Student Movement-USA -- an
independent organization of college students who are members of the
ELCA, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical
Lutheran Synod.  (447-2)
     + Delegates called on the executive board to "clarify the language
regarding the role of clusters/conferences and how they should be funded
as well as how they should disperse their funds."  Clusters or
conferences are groups of congregations in a geographic area smaller
than a synod.  (430-27)
     + Delegates clarified language in the Women of the ELCA
constitution regarding clusters and conferences.  The language change
was needed since clusters and conferences are not to have treasuries.
(306-142)

REFERRED
     The delegates referred several resolutions to the executive board
for action.
     + Delegates called on the board to consider bonding or insuring
the work of treasurers of women's organizations in congregations,
conferences and clusters in much the same way that bonding protection is
provided for Women of the ELCA and synodical women's organizations.
     + In planning for upcoming triennial conventions, delegates asked
the board to call on the Committee for Reference and Counsel to meet
daily and bring to the floor resolutions presented the previous day, "so
that time for discussion and vote on resolutions may be distributed
throughout the time of the convention."
     + Delegates asked convention keynote speakers to "be selected
purposefully for their ability to share the work of the Holy Spirit in
their lives."
     + Delegates asked the board to convey a concern to the ELCA
Division for Church in Society for "a study of physician-assisted
suicide in hopes of preparing a statement for the next triennial."
     + Delegates asked the board to convey concern to the Division for
Church in Society "that a study be done on the disparity between
disability and workers' compensation between men and women."
     + Delegates referred a resolution to the board, with a request for
a report at the 2002 Triennial Convention, calling for Women of the ELCA
to "translate into Spanish the 'Lutheran Woman Today' Bible study on
Genesis, "In God's Image," and all subsequent Bible studies printed in
'Lutheran Woman Today.'"
     + Delegates agreed in advance to refer three remaining resolutions
to the board when convention business time expired.  They were a
proposed change in wording of Women of the ELCA's purpose statement, a
proposal to affirm existing and upcoming programs for young women, and a
suggestion to focus some activities and workshops at the 2002 convention
for women under age 35.
     The Fifth Triennial Convention of Women of the ELCA will be held
in July 2002 in Philadelphia.

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