CHICAGO (ELCA) -- International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) released an additional $530,000 to provide emergency assistance for Kosovar refugees. The ELCA has distributed a total of $805,000 for Kosovo relief.
Through Action by Churches Together (ACT), $330,000 was distributed to Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Norwegian Church Aid; $200,000 was given to Lutheran World Relief for shipment and medical assistance. ACT, a worldwide network of churches and related agencies meeting human need through coordinated emergency response, is based with the LWF and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Switzerland. The ELCA is a member of the LWF and WCC.
The ELCA issued an appeal for funds to help confront the increasing humanitarian crisis with the conflict in and around Kosovo. The appeal, sent to the church's 5.2 million members, includes a statement by the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA.
"Like most Americans, I have been distressed by the reports of the evolving crisis in the Balkans. The tragic suffering of the Kosovo Albanians, caused by armed attacks and other forms of violence -- including "ethnic cleansing" -- conducted by Yugoslav security forces, compels the international community to respond. I regret that military action has largely replaced diplomacy," said Anderson.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
