ELCA STAFF STAYS IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Missionary staff of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) remain in the Central African Republic
despite a U.S. government decision to suspend its
operations there temporarily. A State Department staff
member told reporters March 28 that in light of hostilities
between rebel forces and African peacekeepers, the U.S.
Embassy in the capital city of Bangui will be "temporarily
closed pending further developments." Ambassador Mosina
Jordan will follow events in the republic from the U.S.
Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon. Many missionaries left
the country at the recommendation of the American
embassy in December; they have since returned. Eight
ELCA missionaries and their families are still in the Central
African Republic. The Rev. Sarah Larsen works in women's
development, and the Rev. David and Tanya Mayer teach at
the seminary at Baboua. The Rev. Thomas and Eunice
Olson work with an agriculture program at Baboua. Anne
Ruedisili and Dr. Carl and Paula Stecker work in primary
health care at Bouar. Others normally working in the
republic are presently in the United States. U.S. Embassy
staff members have been functioning in "crisis mode" for
some time, according to the State Department, with the
expectation that the embassy will reopen.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
