INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- After two ballots, the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, 59, continues to lead in the voting for secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (ELCA).
In a report to the churchwide assembly Aug. 12, Almen, who currently serves in the position, had 546 votes on the second ballot. Second was Glenndy L. Sculley, assistant to the bishop, ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod, with 230 votes.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the Indiana Convention Center. There are more than 2,000 people participating, including 1,040 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Sharing Faith in a New Century."
Following the first ballot, many nominees who received votes removed their names from further consideration. Seventy-five percent of the total votes cast are needed for election on the second ballot.
In addition to Almen and Sculley, five other nominees who received votes on the second ballot advanced to the third ballot. They are:
+ the Rev. Mark A. Grorud, First Lutheran Church, Fremont, Neb., 53 votes;
+ Dr. Addie J. Butler, ELCA vice president, Reformation Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, 50 votes;
+ the Rev. John G. Pearson, St. John Lutheran Church, Boyertown, Pa., 4 votes;
+ the Rev. Harvey L. Nelson, Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield, Minn., 4 votes; and
+ Barbara Price, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pasadena, Calif., 4 votes.
The third ballot for secretary is Aug. 13. -- -- --
Information about assembly actions is at http://www.elca.org/assembly/01 on the ELCA's Web site. Recorded updates during the assembly are available by calling 773/380-2477.
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
