MILWAUKEE (ELCA) -- The board of the Division for Church in Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) discussed the continuing rural crisis when it met here Sept. 24-26.
The Rev. Timothy J. Swenson, Halliday, N.D., explained to the board that in his state 75 percent of farmers who are borrowers won't be able to service their debt this year, board members then discussed what is now called a "stealth crisis" in rural areas.
The board called upon ELCA members to learn and to pray about farmers and their future and asked that the ELCA hasten the establishment of a rural desk at the churchwide offices. It called upon the U.S. Congress and the Administration to enact measures "to restore some security for those in greatest need" and examine policies that played a role in the present crisis.
The board also acknowledged that 1999 will be the 25th anniversary of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and urged that the church use the occasion to increase awareness of hunger in this country and throughout the world.
[*Sonia C. Solomonson is senior editor for The Lutheran, magazine of the
ELCA.]
For information contact:
Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Director 1-773-380-2955 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
