ELCA NEWS SERVICE August 21, 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 21, 2009 Here are news reports from today's proceedings at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis: ELCA Assembly Welcomes Peter Mayer, Buffett's Lead Guitarist http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4256 ELCA Assembly Actions Draw Criticism, Praise from Advocacy Groups http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4255 ELCA Presiding Bishop Comments on Decisions Regarding Ministry Policies http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4254 ELCA Assembly Opens Ministry to Partnered Gay and Lesbian Lutherans http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4253 ELCA Assembly Picks Three Finalists for Vice President http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4252 ELCA Assembly Takes First Steps on Ministry Policies Document http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4251 ELCA Assembly Hears Message of Unity from Ecumenical Partners http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4250 ELCA Assembly Affirms Work of Lutheran Disaster Response http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4249 John R. Brooks Director, ELCA News Service