News Archives - 1999

"Tough Faith for Tough Times" is the theme of the 1999 Summer Institute in Minneapolis June 18-20. The three-day national conference for lay people of all ages, congregational leaders and pastors aims to help participants work toward justice, peace and reconciliation in our society. Events in Kosovo, and Colorado remind us of difficulties in our world. This conference will be a place to look at some solutions to these problems.

The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Walter Wink, Ph.D., one of the most influential author of books dealing with peace and justice issues. Wink, Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City, has recently written Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination , and award-winning Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches.

Other conference leaders include the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, the Rev. Gladys Moore. Rossing is Assistant Professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Her teaching and writing on the Book of Revelation raises provocative questions about the new millennium from feminist, ecological and liberation viewpoints. She has recently published an article "Standing at the Door of a New Millennium: Economy, Eschatology and Hope."

Moore is Assistant to the Bishop in the New Jersey Synod, ELCA. She is a member of the Board of the ELCA's Division for Church and Society and serves on the Steering Committee of the Conference of International Black Lutherans.

The conference will be held at Augsburg College, and is sponsored by Lutheran Human Relations Association, Lutheran Peace Fellowship and Lutherans Concerned/North America.

Pre-conference events begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 18, with opening worship at 2 p.m. Several dozen workshops and small group discussion will explore a wide range of peace and justice issues. Special programs for teens and children are also offered.

To register or to receive a complete schedule of events and registration information, contact Lutheran Human Relations Association in Milwaukee at (414) 546-0585. Other questions can be directed to Janelle Bussert: (651) 222-5665. Scholarships available. Adult registration fee is $65, with meals and lodging available at additional cost. Price-breaks are given for congregational teams attending together and for children and teens.