Title: Grace Institute Is New ELCA Lifelong Learning Partner
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 28, 2002

GRACE INSTITUTE IS NEW ELCA LIFELONG LEARNING PARTNER
02-066-FI

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation,
Decorah, Iowa, is the latest addition to the list of Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Lifelong Learning Partners.  The
board of the ELCA Division for Ministry approved the designation at
its March meeting.
     In 2000, the Rev. Bradley C. Hanson founded the Grace Institute
at Luther College, Decorah, one of the 28 colleges and universities
of the ELCA.  Hanson has since retired as a religion professor at the
college.  He authored "A Graceful Life: Lutheran Spirituality for
Today," which Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, published in 2000.
     "Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation focuses on deepening
Christian faith and engaging those practices that nurture and express
that faith.  While the Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation
welcomes people from other faith traditions or no faith tradition and
is open to a breadth of spiritual practices, its central orientation
is to the Lutheran tradition," said the board's background
information.
     The Rev. Richard J. Bruesehoff, director for leadership
support, ELCA Division for Ministry, said being certified as one of
the church's lifelong learning partners has many meanings, obvious
and subtle.
     On the surface, he said, Grace Institute will be listed among
more than 35 other lifelong learning centers and seminary programs in
the ELCA Yearbook.  It can claim the designation in its publicity,
publicize its mission and programs in ELCA publications, and list its
events on the "Lifelong Learning Opportunities" database at
http://www.faithandwisdom.org/ on the Web.  The Yearbook is an annual
directory of ELCA congregations, ministers, units and institutions.
     "Just below the surface, however, are opportunities yet to be
explored," said Bruesehoff.  He said he sees a growing demand for
continuing theological education in the ELCA.
     "Everywhere I turn I see evidence of the development of the
interdependent network of theological education providers," said
Bruesehoff.  He said he was delighted to welcome Grace Institute to
that network.

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