CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Leaders of Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the American Red Cross revised and signed a "Statement of Understanding" on Jan. 17 at the offices of the Red Cross, Washington, D.C.
The purpose of the statement is "to affirm a working relationship" between the Lutheran Disaster Response and the Red Cross" in responding to disaster relief situations at all levels," according to the statement. The four-page agreement replaces a 1988 statement.
"The statement provides a framework for cooperation between the two organizations, as we offer assistance and service to disaster survivors. It also points to ways in which we can cooperate before disasters occur, connecting Lutheran congregations and coalition partners with the Red Cross on local and regional levels," said the Rev. Gilbert B. Furst, director for Lutheran Disaster Response, Chicago.
The statement defines disaster as "an occurrence such as a hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, volcanic eruption, drought, blizzard, pestilence, famine, fire, explosion, building collapse, transportation accident, or other situation that causes human suffering or creates human needs that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance."
Other highlights of the statement include a concept of operations, methods of cooperation between both organizations, and the definitions, organizational structures and purposes of Lutheran Disaster Response and the Red Cross.
"We value our long-term disaster response partnership with the American Red Cross. We have had a written 'Statement of Understanding' with the Red Cross since the beginning of Lutheran Disaster Response in 1988," Furst said.
The statement considers changes that have occurred with the Red Cross and Lutheran Disaster Response over the last 12 years, "including the newly formed Lutheran Disaster Response Coalition," he said.
Lutheran Disaster Response formed a coalition of Lutheran agencies in June 2000. The coalition, which serves to respond to disasters, includes Aid Association for Lutherans, a fraternal benefits organization based in Appleton, Wis.; ELCA Domestic Disaster Response; ELCA Mission Builders; Lutheran Brotherhood, a fraternal benefits organization based in Minneapolis; LCMS Laborers for Christ; LCMS World Relief; Lutheran Hour Ministries; Lutheran Services in America; and Orphan Grain Train.
"We are thankful for the long-term partnership that has existed between Lutheran Disaster Response and the American Red Cross, and we look forward to continually fostering ways we can work together to provide help and hope in times of disasters," Furst said.
Furst and John A. Clizbe, vice president for disaster services, American Red Cross, signed the "Statement of Understanding between the American National Red Cross and Lutheran Disaster Response." [Photos of the signing are available at http://www.elca.org/co/news/images.ldrarc.html]
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
