ELCA NEWS SERVICE August 16, 2003 ELCA Assembly Votes to Join Christian Churches Together 03-CWA-48-JAC* MILWAUKEE (ELCA) -- During the 11th plenary session of the 2003 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), voting members adopted an action to join Christian Churches Together (CCT), a new ecumenical organization. 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." "The purpose of Christian Churches Together is to enable churches and national Christian organizations to grow closer together in Christ in order to strengthen our Christian witness in the world," the recommendation said. The Rev. Randall R. Lee, director, ELCA Department for Ecumenical Affairs, addressed the assembly about CCT. "You have been a leader in the past," he said. The ELCA has a chance to be a leader again by joining CCT. CCT is not seeking full communion, but rather looking to represent unity in Christ, he said. The assembly adopted the action with a vote of 918 to 48. Christian Churches Together expects to be officially launched in 2005 with 25 founding member organizations. -- -- -- 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