ELCA NEWS SERVICE
August 11, 2007
ELCA Assembly Listens to Youth Voice at Assembly 07-CWA-042-KK
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Youth leaders were selected by their regions to participate in the 2007 Churchwide Assembly, absorbing the process and nurturing their gifts through the Youth Convocation. The 36 students from 25 states and Puerto Rico, entering 10th through 12th grade, shared their experiences with the assembly in a report that included song, prayer and reflection.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 6-11 at Navy Pier's Festival Hall. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,069 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Living in God's Amazing Grace: Thanks be to God!"
Familiar expressions of faith had a fresh twist when led by the mohawk-ed and ribbon-ed, capped and suited young people. The assembly was invited to pray as the Youth Convocation practices, by enveloping raised weakened fingers with a neighbor's strong knuckles. The Christian standard, "Jesus Loves Me," was sung in call-and-response as directed by a lively pianist in flip-flops.
Doug from Texas said the youth have been praying for the assembly, knowing "decisions and ideas being presented by this assembly will not only affect the church of today but the generations of tomorrow."
"The opportunity to participate within the assembly has taught us that leadership is a gift, not meant to be kept to ourselves," said Miriam from Alaska.
In the youth leaders' report, appreciation was coupled with desire to incorporate the voices of youth in church proceedings. Taylor from Wisconsin said, "We encourage all people to join with us in open conversation in order for us to learn your opinions and for you to share ours." - - -
Information about the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be found at http://www.ELCA.org/assembly/ on the Web.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog