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Your delegates at work
 These
actions were taken by the Sixth Triennial Convention:
- Elected Carmen Richards (Hope. N.D.) president for a term
of three years
- Elected three other officers: Elizabeth Gaskins (Smyrna,
Ga.) vice president, Kathryn Schneirle (Cincinnati, Ohio)
secretary, and Robin Bert (Chester, Ill.) treasurer.
- Adopted a budget of $3.41 million for 2006.
- Encouraged local Women of the ELCA units to “expand their involvement” in
addressing commercial sexual exploitation through and with several
organizations, encouraged work with churches globally to combat commercial
sexual exploitation, asked Women of the ELCA to provide information and
resources on the topic, and called for “a coordinated churchwide response”
to this issue.
- Affirmed the
work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Baltimore, to
assist women in becoming advocates for refugees and immigrants, encouraged
Women of the ELCA to pray for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
and its employees and to advocate that facilities used to detain immigrants
and refugees “meet minimum detention standards” and asked Women of
the ELCA to provide materials and ideas so that women can welcome and
support refugees.
- (On ageism), encouraged women to “share
in the reality of the aging process” and “embrace our elders and
(encourage) them to continue living life with purpose and meaning.”
- Called on Women
of the ELCA “to continue to make ending hunger a core conviction
for the women of the church” and continue efforts to feed hungry
people, advocate for policies to end hunger, contribute to the ELCA World Hunger
Appeal, pray for leaders and commit to a “just and humble
lifestyle.”
- Pray for all people involved in the decisions on homosexuality
policy to be made at the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly next month in
Orlando, Fla., and pledge to “continue to be witnesses to our unity through
Jesus Christ.”
- Become more informed about Sudan, its history, Christian
sisters and brothers who are suffering, become “engaged in
ministry and action,” and pray and act on behalf of all people
who are victims of humanitarian crises.
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. She said: "I
know the road is rough and I know the road is risky, but I
trust God." 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 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.
- 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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