ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 16, 2004

ELCA Hosts Multicultural Gathering July 9-11 In Orlando
04-124-MR

    CHICAGO (ELCA) – The Commission for Multicultural Ministries of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will host "Lift Every Voice:
A Multicultural Gathering" July 9-11 at the Sheraton World Resort,
Orlando, Fla.
     Participants at the gathering will observe the different ways
congregations of the ELCA worship within a multicultural context; talk
about the future of multicultural ministries in the church; celebrate the
"unique cultural gifts" of African American, Black and African, American
Indian and Alaska Native, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific
Islander and Latino/Latina people; and meet congregations from across the
country and Caribbean that have successfully invited and retained new
members in church.
     "Lift Every Voice aptly describes the goal of the 2004 Multicultural
Gathering," said Rosemary Dyson, associate executive director, ELCA
Commission for Multicultural Ministries. The gathering gives the church
"an opportunity to hear all of the unique and special ethnic and cultural
voices" of its members, Dyson said.
     About 500 Lutherans are expected to attend, she said.
     Highlights of the gathering include discussions on the ELCA's plan
for restructuring its churchwide office based here, and a "retrospective"
on the work of the Commission for Multicultural Ministries. Other
features of the event include workshops, worship, music festivals, dance
and "Family Night" on July 10. Learning opportunities and creative
activities will be provided for children.
     The African American Lutheran Association will hold its assembly July
6-8, and the Association of Hispanic/Latino Ministries, Association of
Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage, Association of Asians and
Pacific Islanders, and American Indian and Alaska Native Lutheran
Association will hold assemblies July 7-8.
     Dyson said this is the first time the commission will host its
multicultural gathering and assemblies together under one theme.
     The commission provides advice, counsel and services to ELCA
churchwide units and congregations across the country that wish to become
more culturally diverse. It works to achieve full partnership and
participation of all people in the life of the church and society. It
develops resources, training and workshops to help members of the ELCA
dismantle racism.
_ _ _
     The Commission for Multicultural Ministries has a home page at
http://www.elca.org/cmm/ on the ELCA Web site. The site includes
information about "Lift Every Voice: A Multicultural Gathering."

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news