CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Arthur Leichnitz, Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been nominated to serve as the regional expression officer for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in North America. He is a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). He will be located in the churchwide offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) here. When confirmed by the LWF, Leichnitz will begin a two-year term in April.
The LWF Regional Office in North America represents a new initiative of the LWF and the two North American member churches, according to the Rev. Daniel F. Martensen, director of the ELCA's Department for Ecumenical Affairs. "We see it as a very important step forward in relating to the LWF," he said.
Leichnitz will be responsible for coordinating interpretation and education about the LWF, bringing the gifts of LWF member churches into the lives of the North American churches, facilitating communication and new cooperative mission ventures. He will be a member of the LWF's Department for Mission and Development staff.
Leichnitz has served congregations in Winnipeg and most recently as Lutheran campus chaplain at the University of Manitoba and youth ministry facilitator for the Manitoba/Northwest Ontario Synod of the ELCIC. He has served on the ELCIC National Church Council and attended the LWF Executive Council meeting in Namibia in 1995.
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