ELCA NEWS - www.elca.orghttp://www.elca.org/newsOfficial news releases of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Americahttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssen-usThu, 18 Mar 2010 17:09:31 GMTEvangelical Lutheran Church in America. All Rights Reserved.20http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4483http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4483ELCA Releases Draft Social Statement on Genetics Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) --The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) released March 18 a 49-page draft social statement on genetics, a framework for discussion on a variety of current topics in the field including certain advances in medicine, reproductive cloning, human embryonic stem cells, and animal and plant genetic engineering. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4483 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.e...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4482http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4482Dana College to be Sold, Will End Affiliation with ELCA Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Dana College, Blair, Neb., is in the process of being acquired by Dana Education Corporation (DEC), a for-profit organization based in Nebraska. The completion of the sale, expected to be this summer, will end the college's affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4482 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http:/...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4481http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4481Lutherans In Fargo, Moorhead and Surrounding Areas Brace for Floodwater Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- As the Red River in Fargo, N.D., Moorhead, Minn., and surrounding areas reached flood levels March 17, Lutherans in the area were working furiously to save their homes and communities. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4481 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4480http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4480Liberian Lutheran Addresses Members of Congress Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT WASHINGTON (ELCA) -- Leymah Gbowee, a Lutheran from Liberia, spoke to members of Congress here on March 15 about the prevention of violence against women and girls. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4480 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews ...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4479http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4479Synod Council Denies Florida Congregation's Request to Leave ELCA Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The synod council of the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) declined a request from a Fort Pierce, Fla., congregation to terminate its membership in the denomination after the congregation successfully completed two votes to leave as required by the ELCA Constitution. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4479 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4478http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4478ELCA Bishops Voice Concern, Affirmation for New Social Statement Time Line Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT ITASCA, Ill. (ELCA) -- The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) discussed the time line for a new social statement on genetics at the conclusion of their meeting here March 5-9. The discussion occurred following an earlier closed session March 5 on this week's release of a draft social statement. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4478 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://ww...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4477http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4477Minnesota ELCA Bishops Visit Lawmakers, Issue Pastoral Letter Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT ST. PAUL, Minn. (ELCA) -- Bishops of the six Minnesota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) visited House and Senate leaders at the State Capitol here March 11 "to advocate for the common good of all people in the state," according to a news release from the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod. The visits were planned so that the bishops could share their concerns "about the toll of the state's budget deficit on the state's poorest citizens," the release said. More h...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4476http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4476'ELM' Pastors Pleased with ELCA Bishops' Draft Reception Rite Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT ITASCA, Ill. (ELCA) -- Three ordained pastors on the roster of "Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM)" said they were pleased with the draft rite, "Reception onto the Roster of Ordained Ministers" that emerged from discussions March 5-9 in the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4476 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitt...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4475http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4475ELCA Now Fourth Largest Member Church of the LWF Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is now the fourth largest member church of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). For the first time in its history, the overall membership of churches belonging to the LWF has reached 70 million. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4475 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4474http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4474ELCA Conference of Bishops Comments on Ministry Policy Revisions Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT ITASCA, Ill. (ELCA) -- The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) offered its counsel on revisions to churchwide ministry policy documents before they are sent to the ELCA Church Council, which is expected to consider them for adoption next month. More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4474 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanew...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4473http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4473Lutherans Visit Senegal to Learn About Peace-Building Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Senegal is a place where Christians and Muslims coexist. To learn more about life there, 10 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) journeyed through the western African country to learn about peace-building at the intersection of faith and life. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4473 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcane...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4472http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4472ELCA Bishops Reach Consensus on 'ELM' Pastors, More Review Needed Tue, 9 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT ITASCA, Ill. (ELCA) -- The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) reached a consensus March 8 on a draft proposal for a rite that would bring onto the church's official clergy roster those pastors who were ordained and are on the clergy roster of "Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM)." ELM "expands ministry opportunities for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the Lutheran church," according to its Web site. More http:...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4471http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4471Lutherans Visit Earthquake-Ravaged Concepcion, Chile Mon, 8 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- For the first time since the earthquake, Lutherans were able to visit the Chilean town of Concepcion, March 4-7. Karen Anderson likened the scene in Concepcion to "a war zone." More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4471 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews ...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4470http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4470ELCA Bishops Discuss Draft Social Statement on Genetics, Release is Mar. 18Mon, 8 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT ITASCA, Ill. (ELCA) -- The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was introduced to the content of a soon- to-be-released draft of a social statement on genetics in a closed background session here March 5. More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4470 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews ...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4469http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4469Despite Challenges, ELCA Churchwide Organization had Net Income in '09 Mon, 8 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT ITASCA, Ill. (ELCA) -- Despite the financial challenges of 2009, much of it the result of the downturn in the U.S. economy, the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) finished the year with net income of $3.9 million. More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4469 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews ...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4468http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4468ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Members in Second Town Hall Forum Sun, 7 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), responded to a variety of questions about the economy, ecumenism, evangelism, youth and young adult ministries, decisions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly and more at a "Town Hall Forum" here March 7. This was the second in a series of online forums hosted by Hanson. More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4468 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4467http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4467Lutherans in Canada, United States to Engage in Global Service Together Fri, 5 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) will engage in mission and ministry overseas together as part of a new agreement between both denominations. More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4467 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews ...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4466http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4466Lutheran Women Address Gender Equality Topics at U.N. Conference Fri, 5 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT NEW YORK (ELCA) -- A delegation of 12 Lutherans and other faith group representatives attended the 54th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held at the U.N. headquarters here, March 1-12. More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4466 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews ...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4465http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4465ELCA Joins National Week of Prayer for Healing of AIDS March 7-13 Thu, 4 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is among many faith groups participating in the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, March 7-13, according to the Rev. Andrea DeGroot- Nesdahl, coordinator for the Lutheran Malaria Initiative and the ELCA Strategy on HIV and AIDS. More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4465 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://...http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4464http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4464ELCA Board of Pensions Trustees Begin Process for Benefit Plan Changes Wed, 3 Mar 2010 06:00:00 GMT CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Trustees of the Board of Pensions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have taken steps to extend various plan benefits to eligible partners in same-gender relationships. More http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=4464 For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews ...http://www.elca.org/ScriptLib/CO/ELCA_News/emblemforreleases.gifELCA NEWS - www.elca.orghttp://www.elca.org/news