This year marks the 45th anniversary of the ordination of women in the ELCA and its predecessor church bodies. Such an anniversary provides an opportunity to lift up and celebrate the many gifts and talents rostered women have brought and continue to bring to the ELCA.
To help synods, congregations and other groups celebrate the 45th anniversary, a celebratory worship resource is available here under the “Liturgy” tab. This resource can be adapted for use in a variety of ways, such as in congregations, at synod events, and gatherings of lay and rostered leaders.
In the past, when the ELCA highlighted the anniversary of the ordination of women, data was collected by ELCA Research and Evaluation. This data was used to do an analysis of the experiences of rostered women in the ELCA, providing material for conversations around the experiences of rostered women in our church. The collection and distribution of data for conversations will continue in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the ordination of women.
The new data will include an analysis of the current rostered leader database as well as survey data from a number of audiences, including rostered leaders, seminarians and members-at-large. During the time leading up to the 50th anniversary, the information gathered will be used to initiate specific conversations with people across the ELCA to continue the development of goals that foster equality and healthy ministry opportunities.
Information from the survey will be available by fall 2015 and sent to all synods. Direct questions or suggestions to Cherlyne Beck, program director for support of rostered leaders, at Cherlyne.Beck@elca.org.
