The ELCA Southeastern Synod will be hosting a hearing on the text of the “Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice” at its Synod Assembly on Saturday, June 2, 2018, 11:00 a.m. in Meeting Room 18 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

This hearing is a special opportunity to respond to the text of the draft statement and to hear the perspectives of others, as well. A representative of the ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ will be present at the hearing.

An appointed recorder will keep track of everything said (without names) and submit a report to the task force. Members of the task force will read all the reports as they prepare to revise the text in the late fall of 2018. The task force will conclude its work by issuing a revised statement in February 2019.

“It is important that we have as many members as possible participating in this step of the process,” said Bishop H. Julian Gordy. “Participation in this hearing is part of how we develop social statements in this church. The hearing is a chance to both speak and listen. This is part of who we are as church together.”

The draft social statement was written by members of the task force. Since 2012, the task force has conducted over 100 listening events and consulted with specialists who have provided insight on Scripture, theology, economics, history, media and much more. The task force also issued a study document in 2016 for use in congregations.

A copy of the draft of the social statement on women and justice may be ordered by calling the ELCA resource line at 800-638-3522. It is also can be downloaded at ELCA.org/WomenandJustice. Multiple copies for group study are available from the ELCA online resource catalog at bit.ly/OrderWJDraft.

If you have any questions regarding your synodical hearing, please visit ELCA.org/WomenandJustice or contact the synod process builder Bethany Fayard, bethathy.fayard@gmail.com or the synod office at 404-589-1977.