wfn.org | ELCA anti-racism leaders gather Sept. 11-13 in Baltimore

[<NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

>ELCA News Blog

>September 11, 2008  

ELCA anti-racism leaders gather Sept. 11-13 in Baltimore

>by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service

More than 100 anti-racism leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) are meeting Sept. 11-13 in Baltimore
for "At the Intersection of Race and Poverty:  An ELCA Capacity
Building and Network Gathering."  The gathering brings together
ELCA synod bishops, members of the ELCA Church Council,
churchwide staff, ecumenical partners and others to explore
"the next stage" of anti-racism work in the 65 synods of the
church, according to Shenandoah M. Gale, coordinator for
anti-racism education and training, ELCA Office of the
Presiding Bishop.

"This powerful networking and capacity building event is
the largest gathering to date in direct support of the ELCA's
commitment toward becoming an anti-racist church," said Gale.
She said the purpose of the event is three-fold:  to engage
in reflection, mutual support, networking and team formation
and strengthening; cultivate an increased analysis of race,
poverty and wealth; and explore practical skills, resources
and strategies for coordinated analysis and action.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Shakti Butler, executive
director, World Trust Educational Services, Oakland, Calif.,
Dr. Paul C. Gorski, founder of EdChange, St. Paul, Minn.,
and Maggie Potapchuk, president, MP Associates, Baltimore.
"They are nationally and internationally recognized leaders
in racial and economic justice arenas," Gale said.  
rossroads, Lutheran Human Relations Association, and Paso
Training and Consulting are hosting workshops.  A blog
about the gathering is available, and "Lazarus at the Gate,"
a new ELCA resource on poverty and wealth, will be
introduced at the gathering.

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