TUCSON, Ariz. (ELCA) Financial results for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 1999, were "most satisfactory," said Richard L. McAuliffe, ELCA treasurer, in a presentation of preliminary figures to ELCA synodical bishops.
The churchwide organization of the ELCA had an excess of income over expenses of $1.2 million in current operating funds, McAuliffe said at the March 5-9 meeting here of the ELCA Conference of Bishops.
Receipts for the fiscal year were $81.8 million and expenses were $80.6 million, McAuliffe reported. Income to the ELCA increased $2.4 million last year, and spending increases were $3.1 million, McAuliffe said.
Growth in mission support to the churchwide organization from congregations through synods was significant, McAuliffe said. "Mission support was a record $66.7 million," he told the bishops. "I want to express great appreciation to the bishops, the synods and staff for their work to bolster mission support." Mission support increased $1.6 million from 1997 to 1998.
In addition to current operating funds, giving to designated funds increased in 1998.
"Contributions to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal were $12.6 million, an increase of $750,000 from the previous year," McAuliffe said. "ELCA Disaster Response funds received in 1998 amounted to $5.4 million compared to $3.6 million in 1997."
For information contact:
John Brooks, 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
