ELCA NEWS SERVICE
July 9, 2005
Women Of The ELCA Elects Executive Board, Adopts Resolutions
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SAN ANTONIO (ELCA) - Delegates attending the Triennial Convention of
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) responded to
several social issues, including restoration of a tax exemption for a
Lutheran hospital in Jerusalem, and elected 17 executive board members to
guide the work of the women's organization for the next three years.
Women of the ELCA's Sixth Triennial Gathering is meeting here July
5-10 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The organization's
three-year theme, "Act Boldly," is being unveiled at the convention amid
Bible study, keynote presentations, workshops, community service, business
sessions and elections. More than 2,100 women from across the United
States and around the world are participating.
Resolutions were brought to the convention by delegates, and they
addressed a variety of concerns:
+ Augusta Victoria Hospital: The hospital, operated in Jerusalem by
the Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland, is facing revocation
of its tax-exempt status by the State of Israel. If the exemption is
revoked the hospital may have to pay as much as $350,000 annually in
employer’s taxes which will hamper the hospital’s ability to serve
Palestinians. Delegates asked that Women of the ELCA’s executive director
to write to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and asked members to
do the same, requesting the U.S. government’s help to restore the tax
exemption.
+ Effects of globalization: Delegates expressed concern about
economic globalization and its effect on women and families living in
poverty. They resolved that Women of the ELCA continue to provide
education and awareness of the effects of globalization, encourage women
to work with local global mission committees to learn about injustices
related to globalization, and advocate for women throughout the world by
participating in events and workshops which help churches and communities
in overcoming injustices and poverty.
+ Peace and Justice in War Torn Lands: Gladys Beyan, a woman of the
ELCA and member of Capitol Hill Lutheran, Des Moines, Iowa, is returning
to her homeland of Liberia to work for peace in her country by running for
president of Liberia. Women of the ELCA resolved to hold her and all
others working for peace in their lands in prayer. A request was made to
have Beyan address the delegates.
"I know the road is rough and I know the road is risky, but I
trust God," said Beyan. Liberia’s presidential election will take place
Oct. 11, 2005.
+ Water Action Plans: Delegates showed concern about women and
children affected by water shortage and pollution. They resolved that the
Women of the ELCA promote awareness on water issues and that the
churchwide women’s organization encourage the 64 synodical women’s
organizations to create awareness of local and regional water issues a
priority. Promotion includes adding Web pages and links to the churchwide
women’s organization Web site and the Women of the ELCA Web site to
display information on current water issues in ELCA regions.
+ Recognition of the 35th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women: The
year 2005 is the 35th anniversary for the ordination of women in the
Lutheran church in North America. Delegates resolved that the Women of
the ELCA affirm and promote efforts to celebrate the anniversary with
special observances and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the lay and
ordained women of the church in the "past, present and future."
+ Tribute to the Commission for Women: The ELCA Commission for Women
has "acted boldly" for women of the church, said a resolution the
delegates adopted. Delegates gave tribute to the ELCA Commission for
Women by acclamation and in the recorded minutes.
+ Delegates referred two resolutions to the executive board for
consideration. One called for the creation of a Women of the ELCA
foundation; a second asked that the organization consider celebrating its
2011 or 2014 Triennial Gathering at a site in the Caribbean.
Women of the ELCA Executive Board Elected
The convention elected its executive board to three-year terms:
+ Susan Alston-McRae, Jersey City, N.J.
+ Deborah K. Ash Goode, Mesa, Ariz.
+ Wanda S. Bledsoe, Murrieta, Calif.
+ Diane L. Brauer, Lincoln, Neb.
+ The Rev. Rosalind M. Brathwaite, Astoria, N.Y.
+ Linda M. Buckel, Bittinger, Md.
+ Desiree A. Cole, Waukegan, Ill.
+ Susan J. Humphrey, Tulsa, Okla.
+ Cam Martin, Minocqua, Wis.
+ Ida Jeanne Smith, Chambersburg, Pa.
+ Denise B. Smith, Eagle River, Alaska
+ Charlene Spillmann, Kyle, Texas
+ Marie A. Tesch, Waseca, Minn.
+ Geneva Wallace, Lusby, Md.
+ Bunny B. Wessinger, Irmo, S.C.
+ Beth G. Wrenn, Kill Devil Hills, N.C.
+ Donna J. Yourell, Muskego, Wis.
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Information about the Women of the ELCA's Sixth Triennial Gathering
is at http://www.womenoftheELCA.org on the Web.
* Kirsten H. Boettner is a senior communication major at Luther College,
Decorah, Iowa. This summer she is an intern with the ELCA News Service.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
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