Title: ELCA Staff Will Study Gay and Straight Working Together ELCA NEWS SERVICE April 9, 1998 ELCA STAFF WILL STUDY GAY AND STRAIGHT WORKING TOGETHER 98-13-083-AH CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Gay, Lesbian and Straight People: Working Together" will be the theme at the churchwide offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America during five days in June. The staff will focus on reflecting diversity in an inclusive workplace. The effort is organized by the ELCA's Inter-unit Staff Team on Diversity. Evelyn B. Soto, co-coordinator, said the goals are to celebrate the gifts of gay and lesbian people in the church and to educate the staff on the history of lesbian and gay people. Another goal is "to demonstrate that the churchwide office is a welcoming and safe place in the spirit of the resolution passed at the 1995 Churchwide Assembly." That action affirms "that gay and lesbian people, as individuals created by God, are welcome to participate fully in the life of the congregations" of the ELCA. The week will include worship and lunchtime speakers, book discussions and video presentations. Topics will include defining terms of gender identity, ministry with gay and lesbian people, biblical and theological implications, issues for the families and friends of gay and lesbian people, and welcoming gay and lesbian people in congregational life, Soto said. "We are part of a church that is working on being welcoming," said the Rev. Robert N. Bacher, executive for administration. "Our church is engaged in conversation and dialogue. These activities are a part of our commitment to continuing to discuss issues related to human sexuality, including homosexuality," he said. The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, told the March 6 meeting of the Conference of Bishops, "We are planning some time together in June under the theme of working together, looking at our relationships with gay and lesbian co-workers." Anderson said the plans reflect a 1997 Churchwide Assembly action expressing support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and affirming the church's advocacy "in support of laws barring discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation." For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html