SAN ANTONIO (ELCA) -- The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pledged to be "strong and active partners" with a Lutheran campaign to support African churches and communities as they withstand HIV/AIDS, work to banish hunger and build peace.
The Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of the ELCA's 65 synod bishops, presiding bishop and secretary. Members met here March 1-6.
The bishops endorsed "Stand With Africa: A Campaign of Hope," which is being launched this spring. The three-year campaign is an effort of the ELCA World Hunger Program; Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS); and Lutheran World Relief, the overseas relief and development agency of the ELCA and LCMS.
The bishops' action called on congregations and individuals to join with others in learning about Africa; to continue strong support for international debt relief; to advocate for justice and special assistance in responding to the HIV/AIDS emergency in Africa; and to respond to urgent needs in Africa through special gifts to "Stand With Africa" through the ELCA Hunger Appeal.
The bishops also expressed "strong support for an increase of at least $1 billion in U.S. poverty-focused aid and HIV/AIDS assistance to Africa." The resolution suggested the funds might come from the federal surplus.
"Business as usual in light of this [HIV/AIDS] epidemic just won't be enough," said the Rev. Howard E. Wennes, bishop of the ELCA Grand Canyon Synod, Phoenix. Wennes presented the resolution to the bishops on behalf of the bishop's Committee on Ministry Among People in Poverty.
The bishops' resolution concluded by encouraging congregations to join the Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs (LOGA) and Bread for the World "in raising up needs of Africa with our federal government in the coming months and years."
LOGA is the ELCA's federal public policy advocacy office, based in Washington, D.C. Bread for the World, Washington, D.C., lobbies elected officials on behalf of hungry people worldwide.
Last November, the ELCA Church Council affirmed the development of "Stand With Africa." -- -- --
More information about "Stand With Africa: A Campaign of Hope" can be found at http://www.standwithafrica.org on the Web.
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
