CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will respond to tornadoes that left fatalities across Alabama and Georgia last week, said the Rev. Leon A. Phillips, director for the ELCA's Domestic Disaster Response.
"Many areas devastated by the tornadoes are closed to relief efforts because of dangerous debris that must first be removed," said Phillips.
The storm that carried the tornadoes affected Mississippi, central Alabama, Georgia and North and South Carolina. Forty-four people were killed and hundreds of people are injured and homeless.
"Lutherans are working to assess the damage in the De Kalb, Gwinnett and Cobb County areas of Georgia," said the Rev. Susan L. Gamelin, assistant to the bishop for the ELCA's Southeastern Synod (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee).
"The Dunwoody area of De Kalb seems the hardest hit, with one death and many, many homes and apartment buildings destroyed. Christ the King Lutheran Church in Norcross, Ga., lost its steeple," said Gamelin.
"Though it has been an extraordinary month of suffering for so many people in so many places, we are so bold as to celebrate Easter, the victorious resurrection of a Lord who stands with his people for all time. Those who suffer will be supported by God's grace. Those who respond will be his arms and healing hands," said Phillips.
"The ELCA's Domestic Disaster Response will work closely with the synod as they seek to rally members and congregations to the response efforts, and to provide other support," said Phillips. "Response efforts will also be managed by Lutheran Ministries of Georgia whose president, the Rev. Gary L. Danielsen, has already begun assessment and response."
The synod is working with Eldon Zimmerman, disaster coordinator for Lutheran Ministries of Alabama, to assess the loss of life, injuries and property damage there.
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
