ELCA invites members to consider future priorities and directions

​          CHICAGO (ELCA) – In anticipation of the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has introduced "Called Forward Together in Christ," an initiative that invites its 3.7 million members to consider what kind of church God is calling the ELCA to become.
          Led by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and endorsed by the ELCA Church Council and in collaboration with the ELCA Conference of Bishops, the initiative asks members to join in a conversation about the future priorities of the ELCA.
          "We're asking all of us to think together and to talk together about what our priorities are going to be so we can be as effective as possible in bringing people the good news of Jesus Christ," said Eaton in a video message.

The initiative has three main phases:

• Conversations across the church about the future
• Consultations on the directions and priorities that emerge
• Decisions as a church about where the ELCA is headed
   

          "We need you to be involved in the conversation," said Eaton, emphasizing the importance for all members to participate. "The more of us we can hear from, the more of us who are praying and listening to the Spirit, the more possible it will be for us to get a clearer picture and understanding of the future God is calling this church to."
         Questions for congregations to consider include: What are your hopes for the future of this church? Who would you like to see joining your congregation, and how might this happen? What are the two biggest challenges facing your congregation right now?
          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.
          Information is available at ELCA.org/future.

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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.7 million members in more than 9,300 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
773-380-2877 or Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
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