persons from the rosters of this church."
The assembly endorsed "Book of Faith: Lutherans Read the Bible," a five- year initiative to promote study of the Bible. It was adopted by a vote of 1,000-1 9. A companion recommendation, adopted 956 to 68, gave specific suggestions for ways to "invite and encourage all members, expressions, institutions and partners of this church to commit themselves regularly and increasingly to hearing, reading, studying, sharing and being formed by God's Word."
With a 949 to 35 vote, the assembly adopted a social statement, "Our Calling in Education," which addresses issues of children's faith formation, equitable access to education, quality of U.S. public schools, and support for Lutheran schools, colleges and campus ministries. Several amendments were adopted, including the addition of language that addresses the specific needs of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities as well as students with disabilities. Social statements are significant documents adopted by the Churchwide Assembly. There are now nine ELCA social statements.
Striving to strengthen the future financial resources of the ELCA, voting members accepted a report with recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Committee on Mission Funding, appointed to study the ELCA's funding policies and practices. By a 623 to 52 vote, the assembly received "with gratitude" the committee's report, commended the content of the report for study and reflection throughout this church, and fostered a renewed commitment to "vigorous mission- support efforts." The assembly called for the development of a resource for presentation to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to "help congregations assess their responsible and accountable use of God's resources commended to their care."
By a vote of 957 to 68, the assembly directed the ELCA Church in Society program unit to develop a social statement on criminal justice for consideration by the 2013 Churchwide Assembly. Requests for the statement grew out of memorials from three synods. The social statement will be developed following consultation with church members and others involved in criminal justice, and it is expected to deal with topics such as the prison system, rehabilitation for those convicted of crimes and the current cost of incarcerating criminals.
Voting members extended the ELCA's full communion relationship with the Moravian Church in America to the East West lndies and the Alaska Provinces of the Moravian Church in America by a vote of 999 to 23. The 1999 Churchwide Assembly adopted a proposal for full communion with the Northern and Southern Provinces of the Moravian Church in America.
The assembly adopted several other proposals: