CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Albert E. Anderson, 76, who retired in 1992 as president of Augsburg Fortress, publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Minneapolis, died at his home in Edina, Minn., May 16.
From 1982 to 1986 Anderson served on the Commission for a New Lutheran Church, the body that organized the ELCA.
The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, said, "Al Anderson was one of the movers and shakers of modern American Lutheranism. His deep personal faith and keenly practical eye made him a trusted leader and advisor. The present structure of the ELCA reflects both his negotiating skill and his vision of a strong church with room for diversity. He was a mentor and a friend."
In 1987 Albert Anderson was named president and chief executive officer of Augsburg Fortress with the initial responsibility to consolidate Augsburg with Fortress Press, Philadelphia, publishing arm of the former Lutheran Church in America. His tenure spanned 45 years in the field of religious publishing.
The Rev. Marvin L. Roloff, current president of Augsburg Fortress, said, "We honor the leadership of Al Anderson as a great churchman and publisher. He was deeply committed to both the church and to publishing. His contributions will long be remembered in the Lutheran family and the wider ecumenical community."
Anderson was born in Minneapolis and spent his childhood in China where his parents were missionaries. He earned a bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., and undertook graduate studies at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., and the University of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Corps during World War II.
Anderson came to the Augsburg Publishing House, of the former American Lutheran Church, in 1947 and served as an editor, sales manager and assistant general manager. In 1970 he was named chief executive officer.
He was president of the Protestant Church-Owned Publishers' Association. He served on the boards of regents of St. Olaf College and Augsburg College, Minneapolis. Anderson was a Distinguished Alumnus of St. Olaf College and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.
Anderson is survived by his wife, Delores Wennblom Anderson of Edina; daughter, Barbara of Evanston, Ill.; and son, David of Duluth, Minn.
A memorial service will be held May 21 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.
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
