TUCSON, Ariz. (ELCA) The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a resolution urging the church to renew its commitment to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and pledged collectively to increase giving by a total of at least $25,000 to the appeal. The appeal is celebrating its 25th anniversary year.
The bishops, representing the 65 synods the ELCA, held their spring meeting here March 4-9.
In the resolution, the bishops called on the ELCA "to set a goal of $25 million as a sign of renewed commitment and urgency for this ministry of mercy." The Rev. Howard E. Wennes, bishop of the ELCA's Grand Canyon Synod, introduced the resolution.
The ELCA World Hunger Appeal has provided direction and leadership "for emergency relief, local development and hunger advocacy around the world," the resolution said.
During the meeting, the bishops honored three bishops who are leaving office midway in their six-year terms -- the Rev. Robert M. Keller of the Eastern Washington-Idaho Synod; the Rev. Dale K. Skogman of the Northern Great Lakes Synod and the Rev. Richard F. Bansemer of the Virginia Synod. They also honored the Rev. Edgar R. Trexler, editor of the magazine of the ELCA "The Lutheran." Trexler announced in January he would not seek re-election at the churchwide assembly this summer. He will turn 62 this year.
The bishops adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Lyle Schaller, a well-known consultant to local churches and denominations who has conducted leadership seminars for the past five decades and publishes "The Parish Paper." He was acknowledged for his "exceptional" ministry.=20=
The bishops conferred the title, "honorary Lutheran" on Schaller, "in
response to a life-long secret ambition," the resolution said.
The resolution acknowledges Schaller's donation of nearly $500,000 to alleviate world hunger, funds generated from his seminars.=20 Schaller's "current health necessitates the curtailment of travel and possible full retirement," the resolution said.
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
