What does it mean to be Lutheran Christian in a crucial election year? We are called to live our faith and practice love of God and one another in ever changing and challenging situations. Fortunately, we have scripture and each other to work it out and walk it out together. That requires staying connected listening to each other, skills that are sometimes difficult in this fractured environment.
On July 23, All Shepherds will host the first in a series of six structured discussions about social issues shaping our political and social life. Together, we’ll watch webinars from Kindling Faith at United Theological Seminary, then participate in a facilitated discussion. The series will approach each topic based on ELCA Social Statements; positions developed by the people of the ELCA over time.
Kindling Faith describes the webinars this way:
“As our faith informs our day-to-day lives, Lutherans recognize that “faith is active in love [and] love calls for justice in relationships and structures of society” (ELCA, Social Statement on Church in Society, 1991). We also know the church is called to be a community that prays, deliberates, and acts together when it comes to complex social issues. In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting, and voting on major issues?”
Mark your calendars for these dates! Your voice is valued and appreciated as we consider each of these topics together. We strongly encourage you to attend the first session, as it will shape and support the understanding of all the following topics.
July 23: Introduction to Social Teachings Dr. Roger Willer, Director of Theological Ethics for the ELCA
August 28: Corporate Social Responsibility Rev. Kaari Reierson, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for the ELCA
September 18: Abortion Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College
October 2: Faith, Sexism and Justice Dr. Mary Streufert, Director, Gender Justice and Women's Empowerment, and Heather Dean, Program Coordinator, Theological Discernment, ELCA
October 23: Earth’s Climate Crisis Study Guide Dr. Ryan Cumming, Program Director, Theological Ethics, Education, and Community Engagement
October 30: Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Dr. Richard Perry, emeritus faculty, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
All sessions will last from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.
Join us and grow together in living out our faith!
Contact Rhonda Peterson, rhonda.petersonoh@yahoo.com with questions.