07/28/2016

ELCA introduces second phase of future directions initiative

CHICAGO – Continuing the conversation on its future priorities, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) invites members to participate in the second phase of “Called Forward Together in Christ,” an initiative that asks members to consider the kind of church God is calling the ELCA to become.

A paper released July 26 shares key messages discovered through conversations across the ELCA during the first phase of the process. Members are being asked to provide feedback on the findings that emerged. The deadline for submissions is September 9. The paper is available at ELCA.org/future.

In the paper’s preface, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, said the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation “provides a powerful focal point for reaffirming who we are as a Lutheran church and understanding what God is calling this church to be in its ongoing reformation.”

Introduced in April, “Called Forward Together in Christ,” is led by Eaton, endorsed by the ELCA Church Council and is in collaboration with the ELCA Conference of Bishops.

Following this process, a statement of future directions and priorities will be considered by the ELCA Church Council at its November 2016 meeting. The goal is to launch the statement in 2017 as part of the ELCA's observance of the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation.