ELCA News Service

A service for journalists and members of the news media

     CHICAGO (ELCA) - In letters to Christian church leaders in Syria, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered his support of the churches' collective call for an end to violence and his prayers for the people in the region.
     "In these difficult days, I will continue to pray and encourage members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to pray for you and your efforts to sustain the courage and faith of your communities," wrote Hanson. In addition to prayers for the people of Syria, the presiding bishop said he mourns the recent death of a priest there, "who died serving others."
     As the violence in Syria continues, Hanson acknowledged in his letters that there are no simple answers to resolve the current situation, and therefore agrees with many Syrian church leaders on the need for dialogue instead of further ...(more)

ELCA leaders' effort to protect families pays off
Jan 30, 2012; 12-02-MRC

     CHICAGO (ELCA) - Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) believe progress has been made with a recent policy change that would keep some families living in the United States, without legal residency, to remain here while applying for legal status -- a step intended to keeping families together.
     Such "policies have significant human consequences that affect the lives and well-being of our neighbors," said the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and chair of the ELCA Immigration Ready Bench.
     Before the policy change, people living in the U.S. undocumented who return to their country of origin to apply for legal U.S. residency or green card face years of separation from their family.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the new regulation Jan. 6. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the proposed ...(more)

Palestinian Lutheran pastor to receive 'German Media Award'
Jan 22, 2012; 12-01-MRC

     CHICAGO (ELCA) - Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, will receive the German Media Prize award Feb. 24 for his work in founding educational, cultural and health care institutions and his commitment to inter-faith dialogue and peacemaking in the Middle East.
     "Mitri Raheb is a pastor with passion in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Persistently working for a lasting, just peace in the Middle East, Pastor Raheb is a visionary leader who has created new pathways in the areas of education, employment and health care," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
     "This deserved recognition of Pastor Raheb is testimony to the global leadership shared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the ELCA remains committed to accompanying this partner ...(more)