Registration opens for Jan. 24-25 Multiethnic Symposium

Registration is now open for the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Multiethnic Symposium, set for Jan. 24-25 on campus.

The symposium, held annually, brings together Lutherans and mission leaders of various ethnicities from across the country for workshops, discussions and worship. It explores how the church should engage in ethnic ministry and what it means — and what it will take — to become a truly multiethnic church.

In recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and with the theme “Reformation Across Borders,” this year’s symposium will examine the ways in which the Reformation message has spanned time and place. Participants will examine ways to turn socio-linguistic, institutional and theological barriers into stepping stones to bring the Gospel to people worldwide.

“The church needs a safe and meaningful place for its mission voice to be heard, encouraged and put into action,” said the Rev. Kou Seying, chairman of the Multiethnic Symposium Committee and the seminary’s Lutheran Foundation Professor of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry. “The Multiethnic Symposium is becoming such a place for all mission leaders. We welcome leaders from all levels of ministry, whether lay, commissioned or ordained.

“Come, participate and embrace the challenge and celebrate the mission opportunity.”

Delivering the keynote address will be Dr. Enoch Wan, research professor of intercultural studies and director of the Intercultural Studies Program at Western Seminary in Portland, Ore. Wan will lead participants in a historical review of the paradigm shift of Martin Luther that occurred 500 years ago and offer a proposal for the Lutheran church bodies in North America in the 21st century based on global trends.

Plenary and sectional leaders from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will share mission perspectives on how the wide-ranging effect of the Reformation impacted their respective fields of ministry.

The symposium will include the 12th annual Hispanic lecture, “Luther and Calvin on the Cosmopolitan Church (Lutero y Calvino sobre la Iglesia Cosmopolita),” presented by the Rev. Dr. Rubén Rosario Rodríguez, associate professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University, at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Werner Auditorium. The Rev. Dr. Victor Belton, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Decatur, Ga., will give the response. The lecture, sponsored by the Center for Hispanic Studies, is free and open to the public.

The symposium also includes a Hmong Symposium Jan. 21-23, an Islam Forum Jan. 23 and a Hispanic Theological Consultation Jan. 25-26.

Registration for the Multiethnic Symposium and related gatherings is $50 and includes four meals. On-campus housing is available for an additional fee.

For more information or to register, click here.

Questions may be directed to the seminary’s Continuing Education office at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu .

Posted December 8, 2016