CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. William "Chris" Boerger was elected June 16 to a six-year term as bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Boerger, 52, is pastor at Northlake Lutheran Church, Kenmore, Wash.
The incumbent bishop, the Rev. Donald H. Maier, was seeking re- election but was eliminated from consideration after the third ballot for bishop.
Boerger, who led on all ballots, was elected on the fourth ballot for bishop, 252-226 over the Rev. R. James Rismiller, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Renton, Wash. On the third ballot, Boerger had 216 votes, Rismiller had 185 votes, and Maier had 87 votes. There were eight nominees on the first ballot.
Boerger will become bishop Aug. 1. Maier, 65, has served as the synod's bishop since 1995.
Boerger has served on the ELCA Region 1 Coordinating Council and the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod Council. Region 1 is a grouping of six ELCA synods in the northwestern United States, including the Northwest Washington Synod. Boerger is also involved in several local community service organizations.
Boerger was born in Columbus, Ohio. He earned a bachelor's degree from Pacific Lutheran University, an ELCA higher education institution in Tacoma, Wash. Boerger earned a master of divinity from Christ Seminary-Seminex, St. Louis. He was ordained in 1978.
He served as pastor at Lutheran Church in the San Juans, Eastsound, Wash., and Central Lutheran Church, Everett, Wash. In 1990, Boerger became pastor at Northlake Lutheran Church.
Boerger and his wife DeDe are parents of two grown children.
The ELCA Northwest Washington Synod has 58,890 baptized members in 119 congregations. Its offices are in Seattle. -- -- -- [*Margit R. Peiffle is communication specialist with the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod.]
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
