CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Four staff members of agencies related to Action by Churches Together (ACT) were kidnaped in the fall of 1997 while working on relief programs in Chechnya. Hungarian Interchurch Aid and Orthodox Christian Charities are working closely together to ensure their safe release.
ACT has issued an appeal for $200,000 to help meet the practical needs the two agencies face as they seek to resolve the situation, specifically reliable and secure communications, staff time, and financial resources.
ACT reports, "While it is believed that all of the victims are still alive, they are living under extreme pressure and poor conditions. As they continue efforts to secure the release of their staff members the two agencies have asked for ecumenical solidarity, prayers, words of encouragement and financial support, ACT reports.
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
