Advocacy urged at Seminary convocation

PHILADELPHIA (May 2002)--Key participants in a seminary convocation May 7 urged advocacy for social justice on the part of the seminary community. Appearing were, from left, Craig Stahler, representing the Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs in Pennsylvania; seminarian Jennifer Graham, an intern for the office; seminarian Gary Steeves, intern for the New Jersey Lutheran Office of Governmental Affairs, and the Rev. Bruce Davidson, an LTSP alum who directs the New Jersey office.

LTSP Professor Timothy Wengert expounded upon Martin Luther's record for being an advocate to the princes of his day and noted the relatively reluctant record of many modern U.S. Lutherans to immerse themselves in the search for political justice.

Steeves and Graham took the community on a tour of resources in calling for greater involvement. The seminary web site features a new free study guide on justice and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America social statements. It may be found The guide is free and can be downloaded from the site. It is being offered to all Region 7 synods for free distribution this year.