We will have our eye-witness account of what happened at the ELCIC’s National Convention when the Rev. Brian Krushel has an opportunity to report on his experiences.  In the meantime, highlights that include both pictures and links can be found on the 2015 National Convention’s webpage.  Follow the links in the menu on the left to explore these four days of business, worship, reports, and networking.

On the Friday, Dr. Marie Wilson, one of the three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, addressed the gathering.  

Dr. Marie Wilson, Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, addresses the 2015 National Convention of the ELCIC.

In her presentation to delegates, Wilson described the work and significance of the TRC, its recommendations and the road toward reconciliation, while touching upon more spiritual aspects of the process.

Early on in her presentation, she praised the ELCIC for its “extraordinary” engagement with the TRC, despite its lack of legal obligation to do so.

“You’re not one of the parties to the settlement agreement,” Wilson said—referring to the legal settlement between survivors, the federal government and churches (Roman Catholic, Anglican, United, and Presbyterian) who ran the residential schools that mandated the creation of the TRC.

“And yet,” she added, “you are a collective of people of faith and of citizens, and so you’ve understood what the spirit of reconciliation in our mandate talks about.”  

~ from the ELCIC website

More information about her presentation and a link to it will be found on the ELCIC website.

National Bishop Susan Johnson was re-elected to a third term as ELCIC’s National Bishop.

Also on Friday, delegates re-elected National Bishop Susan Johnson for a third term.

On Saturday, delegates endorsed the document “Welcoming the Stranger: Affirmations for Faith Leaders” and approved a resolution on climate justice.  More information can be found here.  

On Sunday, delegates, volunteers, and guests changed location from the Conference Centre to Trinity Lutheran Church to worship with its congregation.  In recognition of being in full communion with the Anglican Church of Canada, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, gave the sermon.  For highlights of the National Convention’s closing worship and reflection on the weekend from some of the delegates, read the article “Lutherans Look Outward As National Convention Ends“.

The welcome sign for the closing worship of the 2015 National Convention.

~ pictures are from the ELCIC website and facebook page