wfn.org | ELCA, United Church of Canada Produce Documentary

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

September 14, 1999

ELCA, UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA PRODUCE DOCUMENTARY
99-228-LS

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- To examine the changing faith of  "Generation X"
and the "Millennium Generation," producers for the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) and the United Church of Canada, on behalf of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. (NCC),
created "Playing in the Light: Our Changing Faith," a television
documentary that features members of the post-modern generations
discussing their faith.
     "Playing in the Light" is an effort to "take a serious look at
some of the personal and spiritual issues for the next millennium," said
John Lynner Peterson, director for public media, ELCA Department for
Communication.
     "The documentary explores the hunger that young people have in
their quest for spiritual fulfillment," said Peterson, an executive
producer of "Playing in the Light."
     "We wanted to show a range of experiences of people in the midst
of their journeys both inside and outside belonging to a church," he
said.
     Dave Pomeroy, an executive producer of the documentary and
director for electronic media, NCC, New York, said the video "looks at
the nature of ecumenism and how young people understand it."
     Callie Long, senior producer, Division of Communication, United
Church of Canada, produced "Playing in the Light."
     Nine young people between the ages of 16 and 33 from the United
States and Canada tell their faith stories, offer opinions on societal
issues such as the environment and sexuality, and discuss their fears
and hope for the future.
     Catherine Jhoen, Ontario, serves as the "guide" for the
documentary, Peterson said. Jhoen, a member of a post-modern generation,
is not Christian and explores her own spiritual journey through the
stories of the young people.  Peterson said the selection of Jhoen as
guide was intentional; young people could relate to Jheon's age and her
questions about Christianity.
     ELCA members Anne Edison-Swift, Park Ridge, Ill.; Brandon Morton,
Chicago; and John Lawyer, Minneapolis, are among those interviewed in
"Playing in the Light."  Lutheran Volunteer Corps member Alison Kautz,
Seattle, is also interviewed.
     "I learned a great deal in the production of this video," Peterson
said.  Members of post-modern generations face concerns and challenges
unique to their generation, he said, such as concern for personal
safety, openness in discussing sexuality, a strong concern about the
environment and experience with broken parental relationships. "They
want a clear sense of belonging.  Relationship is essential."
     Peterson said he expects the program's audience to span several
generations. "Other generations can, should and must learn from each
other," he said, citing the documentary as "a significant way to catch
the vision of the future of the church."
     "A core spiritual hunger remains the same throughout the
generations," he said .
     Through the NCC, "Playing in the Light" is offered to NBC
affiliate stations.
     The ELCA is a member of the NCC; the United Church in Canada is a
member of the NCC's communication commission.

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