2007 Churchwide Assembly Hunger Memorial

ELCA Churchwide Assembly
August 6–11, 2007
Chicago, Illinois

WORLD HUNGER MEMORIAL

1. To celebrate the milestone of more than $20 million contributed in one year during fiscal 2006 to the World Hunger Appeal of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA);

2. To give thanks to God for the generosity of members in reaching for the first time this new level in annual giving to the World Hunger Appeal;

3. To remember with thanksgiving the vision and commitment of ELCA predecessor church bodies in initiating the World Hunger Appeal in 1974;

4. To rejoice in the fruitful efforts of churches as well as governmental and non-governmental agencies in the battle against hunger, resulting in fewer people numerically going to bed hungry in the world today than in 1974, in spite of the substantial increase in the population of the globe;

5. To express abiding appreciation to the 1999 Churchwide Assembly for establishing the annual goal of $25 million for World Hunger giving and for those who have used wisely and effectively the funds provided through the World Hunger Appeal of this church and its predecessors throughout the past 33 years, especially:

a. the Lutheran World Federation, the 140-member communion of churches through which the ELCA joins in coordinated international efforts to re-spond to crises and engage in long-term, sustainable development work;

b. Lutheran World Relief, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals, and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy, and social responsibility;

c. missionaries of the ELCA who witness to God’s grace through their service and advocacy on behalf of persons living in extreme poverty;

d. ecumenical partners and others of good will with whom this church serves in response to God’s love in meeting human needs; and

e. those who serve through congregations, synods, churchwide ministries, community organizations, and Lutheran agencies and institutions advocating for persons experiencing hunger and living in poverty;

6. To call upon each congregation of the ELCA to participate in the World Hunger Appeal and to invite members to contribute; and

7. To invite renewed efforts by members and congregations to reach and surpass, as soon as possible, the goal of $25 million in annual giving by individuals and congregations to the World Hunger Appeal of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.


Assembly Action CA07.04.15—Yes-984; No-5