ELCA NEWS SERVICE August 17, 2003 ELCA Assembly Hears from Young Adult Convocation 03-CWA-53-JAC* MILWAUKEE (ELCA) -- The Young Adult Convocation reported to the 2003 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). During its report, young adult participants told voting members of the distinction between youth and young adults and spoke about the role of young adults in the ELCA. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 11-17 at the Midwest Airlines Center. There are about 2,100 people participating, including 1,031 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: For the Healing of the World." During the report, young adults made two challenges to the church. The convocation asked for the creation of a churchwide staff position that focuses on young adult ministry and they also asked for the implementation of a major young adult gathering on the churchwide level that would allow for the nurturing of the Lutheran young adult community. -- -- -- Information about the ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be found at http://www.elca.org/assembly/03 on the Web. *Jessica A. Crane is completing her bachelor of arts degree at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. She is an intern this summer for ELCA News and Media Production. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news