Miller Elected Editor of 'The Lutheran'

DENVER (ELCA) -- By an overwhelming vote, the 1999 churchwide assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America elected the Rev. David L. Miller, editor of The Lutheran, magazine of the ELCA, Aug. 20.
Miller was elected by more than 96 percent of the assembly, 900 to 34. Miller, 46, is currently senior editor of The Lutheran. He will assume the editor's job Nov. 1, succeeding the Rev. Edgar R. Trexler, who is retiring after 34 years with the magazine.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting Aug. 16-22 here at the Colorado Convention Center. There are more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,038 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Hope for a New Century."
In a presentation to the assembly, Miller reviewed some of the stories he's covered during his 12 years with the magazine.
"The Lutheran magazine is an answer to prayer," Miller said. "It is a telescope helping the church see further, a microscope helping it see in greater detail."
"It is my hope that I can continue to help us see and hear each other and faithfully participate in the life-giving mission of the One whose love has captured us," he added.
Trexler, who turns 62 this year, announced in January he would not seek re-election when his term ends Oct. 31. In remarks to the assembly that drew a standing ovation, Trexler noted this is his 17th consecutive assembly. He was elected to the editor's post eight times, including years he served as editor of the magazine for the Lutheran Church in America, a predecessor church body.
"I stand before you today as a fortunate man," Trexler said. "For 34 years, this church has asked me to do what I always wanted to do be a pastor and journalist with The Lutheran."
During his tenure as editor, Trexler reported on the church's social struggles of the 1960s, the ordination of the first woman pastor in 1970, apartheid in Africa, anguish in the Middle East and the reopening of China in 1979. Trexler also wrote about the formation of the ELCA.
Trexler called Miller "a trusted man, a good man, and someone who will serve this church extremely well."
Miller holds a bachelor's degree from Knox College, Galesburg, Ill., and a master's of divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. His first book, "Friendship With Jesus: A Way to Pray the Gospel of Mark" is being published by Augsburg Fortress this year. Miller is married. He and his wife, Dixie, have two children, Aaron, 26, and Rachel, 23.

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