CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Francisco L. Sosa, bishop of the Caribbean Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will not seek a second term as bishop. Sosa said he wants to serve as pastor of a congregation after his term as bishop concludes.
The ELCA is organized into 65 synods, each headed by a bishop elected by its synod assembly. Sosa, 62, was elected by the synod assembly in 1996. He will leave office Aug. 31.
ELCA bishops are elected to serve six-year terms. Because the Caribbean Synod holds assemblies every other year, Sosa said he decided to leave early to allow for election of his successor at this year's assembly. The assembly will be held June 7-9 at Iglesia Luterana Getsemani and the Dorado Rafael Hernandez Colon Pavilion, Dorado, Puerto Rico.
Before he was bishop, Sosa served as pastor at Iglesia Luterana Reconciliacion, Levittown, Puerto Rico. He previously served as pastor at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, Carolina (Villa Fontana), Puerto Rico.
Sosa was ordained in 1984. He graduated from Evangelico Theologico Seminario, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.
The Caribbean Synod has 34 congregations and 6,783 members in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Of 28 elections for bishop in ELCA synods this year, at least 14 bishops will not seek re-election. Some are subject to term limits; others announced they will retire or seek other opportunities in the church.
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
