The Constituting Convention of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was held April 30 - May 3, 1987. The convention resolved that “It shall be a goal of this church that within 10 years of its establishment its membership shall include at least 10% people of color and/or primary language other than English.” In 1991, the ELCA adopted a Multicultural Mission Strategy and named the Rev. Fred Rajan as director, (sadly he has resigned after 18 years of service and will be leaving on Jan.15, 2006.) Initial efforts focused on new ministries with the African American, Asian, Hispanic and Native American communities.
In 1992 The Division for Outreach and Commission for Multicultural Ministries convened a gathering of thirty Lutherans of Arab and Middle East Heritage with ELCA Staff. Plans were begun for networking, education and advocacy, and work with the Division for Outreach on mission development, beginning with Brooklyn, N.Y.; Troy and Dearborn, Mi; Chicago,Il; and Glendale and San Diego, Ca. One of the stated goals was the creation of an ethnic organization for Arabs and Middle Eastern Heritage members of the ELCA similar to those which existed for other ethnic groups.
In 1993 in Chicago about 40 persons from different states gathered and formed ALAMEH,“The Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage.” Founding members drew up a set of by-laws and an organizational plan. In 1995 ALAMEH was endorsed by the Church wide Assembly as an official organization within the ELCA.
Subsequent ALAMEH assemblies were held in 1995 and 1997 in Chicago; in 1999 at Salam Arabic Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. Its pastor is Rev. Khader El-Yateem. In 2001 was held at St. Elias Arabic Christian Church in Chicago, its pastor is Rev. Gabi Aelabouni, and in 2004 was held in Orlando, Fl at the ELCA “Lift Every Voice” multicultural gathering. The 3rd church yet to be visited soon is Abundant Life Lutheran Church in Dearborn, Mi with Rev. Rani Abdelmasih as its pastor.
"Witness and Mission” brought about 75 Lutherans from the Middle East and the United States at an international conference held July4-9, 2000, in Bethlehem, Palestine. Speakers included the Rev. Munib Younan, bishop of the ELCJHL, the Rev. Mitri Rahib, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, and Sami Musallam, chief of staff for the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. In addition to sharing worship and fellowship dinners, the group also visited the Dihisha Palestinian refugee camp, Augusta Victoria Hospital, the old city of Jerusalem and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Vocational Training Center.
In addition to holding national gatherings, ALAMEH publishes an occasional newsletter, and ALAMEH members have been featured in ELCA magazines, bulletin inserts and booklets for congregational education.
Joseph Husary was one of the founders of ALAMEH and now president is working with the Division for Outreach of the Sierra Pacific Synod in an effort to develop a new Arab Ministry in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rev. Bassam Abdallah, consultant for Arab Lutheran Association, and Rev. Mike Gutzler, graduate of PLTS also working diligently to bring this ministry into existence, and help bring those who seek to hear the word of God to a church they call home.
Our sincere thanks and gratitude to Pastor Schroeder, and the entire congregation of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church for the wonderful welcome and support they offered us for the last several months. May God bless you always.