Income for ELCA World Hunger Appeal Surpasses Goal

CHICAGO (ELCA) The World Hunger Appeal of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) collected more than $15.86 million in 2000, surpassing the expected income goal of $14 million.
While actual income for the 2000 ELCA World Hunger Appeal exceeded the projected income by $1.86 million, it decreased slightly from the 1999 appeal, which gathered more than $16 million a record amount for the appeal. The appeal collected $12.6 million in 1998 and $11.8 million in 1997.
"There is a renewed commitment to the appeal," said Lita Brusick Johnson, director, ELCA World Hunger Appeal, ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries.
In the last two years, "people have expressed their commitment to make [the appeal] grow. It continues to save and change lives because of the generous and faithful giving from members of the church," Johnson said.
The ELCA celebrated the World Hunger Appeal's 25th anniversary in 1999. That year, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly resolved to call on members of the church to increase their awareness of hunger in the world, to double their giving over the next five years to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal through regular contributions and designated gifts, and to thank supporters of the appeal.
"Some anniversary [giving] momentum moved into 2000," said the Rev. John L. Halvorson, coordinator, ELCA World Hunger Program, ELCA Division for Church in Society.
"Response has been strong in all areas, particularly in giving from congregations, synods and individuals," Halvorson said.
Income from the 65 synods of the ELCA totaled more than $11.48 million, and income from individuals gathered more than $3.4 million. Women of the ELCA, the women's organization of the church, contributed more than $153,000 for the 2000 ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Income from other sources endowments, bequests and dividends garnered more than $824,000.
In 2000, 73 percent of the appeal's funds was spent on fighting hunger and poverty overseas and 12.6 percent was spent in direct relief and community development in the United States. Another 8.7 percent provided educational resources for the church, hunger advocacy work and environmental stewardship efforts. The remaining 5.7 percent was spent on administration, fund raising and communication expenses.
"Because the appeal in 1999 and 2000 has surpassed income goals, the ELCA has been able to offer more to support the work of some of its major partners, especially Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran World Federation," said Stephen H. Padre, associate director for internal church communication, ELCA Department for Communication.
Lutheran World Relief works overseas in relief and development on behalf of the ELCA and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Lutheran World Federation (LWF), based in Geneva, Switzerland, is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947, the LWF now has 131 member churches in 72 countries representing 59.5 million of the world's 63 million Lutherans.
"Another factor in the increased giving to the appeal can be attributed to the role of synod bishops. They led [the church] with personal giving," said Johnson. "The ELCA Conference of Bishops has vocally supported the appeal," she said.
The 5.15-million member ELCA is organized into 65 synods, each headed by a bishop. The Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of the ELCA's synod bishops, presiding bishop and secretary.
"Congregations and synods are working hard to [collect] $25 million for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal by 2005," said Johnson. To achieve the goal, every member of the ELCA will need to contribute $5, which is equivalent to the cost of "two Big Macs and fries," she said. The goal was set by the 1999 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Johnson said "Stand With Africa: A Campaign of Hope" may help energize members of the church to continue their strong support for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal in the next two to three years. "Stand With Africa" will focus on issues significant to Africa, including HIV/AIDS, food security, and peace and reconciliation. The three- year campaign is being coordinated in part by the ELCA World Hunger Program. Stand With Africa is scheduled to be presented to the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly this summer.
The goal for the 2001 ELCA World Hunger Appeal is $16 million.

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