wfn.org | ELCA Women Muse "God Is Calling" Theme in Workshops

[News News <news@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 13, 2002

ELCA WOMEN MUSE "GOD IS CALLING" THEME IN WORKSHOPS
WO-02-14-MR/AW*

     PHILADELPHIA (ELCA) -- More than 3,200 participants of the Women
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Fifth Triennial
Gathering had the opportunity to attend more than 30 workshops on a
variety of topics designed to explore the theme, "Listen, God is
Calling."
     Women of the ELCA's Fifth Triennial Gathering is meeting here July
8-14 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  The organization's three-
year theme, "Listen, God is Calling," is being unveiled at the gathering
amid Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, field trips, business
sessions and elections scheduled during the week.
     Workshop topics included corporate social responsibility,
homosexuality and "investing in our children's future."  Workshops were
organized into three tracks: Hear God's Call," "Respond to God's Call"
and "Recognize Your Gifts and Enhance Your Skills."
     + At "Practicing God's Call Daily: Integrity and Ethics in the
Workplace," Beckie Steele, director of human resources and
communication, Agri Business Group, Inc., Indianapolis, led participants
on an examination on the difference between ethical behavior and
Christian ethical behavior.
     "Christian ethical behavior is different because biblical
teachings can be applied to situations," said Steele.  She focused on
the idea that everyone is an unethical sinner and that having integrity
in the workplace is a way to show unconditional love for others.
Participants met in small groups and looked through magazines and
newspapers to see the moral influences that society has over Christians.
     "The real thing about this workshop is the discussion the women
have amongst one other," said Steele.  "They are still talking about
these topics even as they go out the door.  I want them to leave with
the idea that they should be willing to confront themselves with ethical
matters," she said.
     + Participants at "Homosexuality and the Church in Moral
Deliberation" learned about the ELCA study on human sexuality and the
factors the church must examine on the topic.
     The ELCA must look at tradition and the ethics of dialogue when
discussing the topic of homosexuality, said the Rev. James M. Childs,
Jr., workshop leader and director of the ELCA study on homosexuality.
     "We must remember that not everyone who does not want change [in
the churches policy on homosexuality] is homophobic," said Childs. "And
we must also remember that not everyone who thinks we should change is a
'Bible-doubter' or liberal," he said.
     Currently, the ELCA permits people who are homosexual in their
self-understanding to be ordained, but they must refrain from homosexual
sexual relationships.
     + At "Investing in Our Children's Future.  It's Not Only Smart,
It's What Our Faith Teaches," Kay Bengston, assistant director for
advocacy and domestic policy, Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs
(LOGA), Washington, D.C., led participants on a discussion about how
Women of the ELCA can make a difference in the lives of children and
families living in poverty.
     "Kids are most hungry during the summer when they don't have
access to food outside of school," said Bengston.  "Summer food has
become important given welfare programs as they now exists."  Bengston
said that summer programs are needed to increase children's ability to
learn, engage in physical activity and have access to food, so that
children can grow in a positive way.
     Although the percent of children living in poverty in the United
States decreased in the late 1990s, the depth of poverty among many very
poor children and their families has increased, Bengston said.  "How can
we make a difference in the lives of these families?  How do we address
the barriers many parents face to achieving self-sufficiency?  Is
marriage promotion the best way to assist children living in poverty?"
she said.
     One way to address these questions and make a difference is to
write letters to U.S. Senators, Bengston suggested to participants.  She
provided paper, envelopes and "talking points" to guide participants in
their letter writing.  She encouraged participants to support U.S.
Senate floor amendments that would increase funding for child care,
define income supplements provided to low-wage workers and ensure racial
equity and fair treatment to all people.
-- -- --
Editors:  Photographs from Women of the ELCA's Triennial Gathering are
maintained at http://www.elca.org/wo/events/tg/tg02/connect/photos.html
on the Internet.

News releases and other information about the gathering are maintained
at http://www.elca.org/wo/events/tg/tg02/connect/news.html on the
Internet.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez, newsroom manager (215) 418-2045 or mramirez@elca.org

*Amy Wineinger is a junior at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.  This
summer she is an intern with ELCA News and Media Production.

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