New ELCA Presiding Bishop Answers Questions via 'Webcast'

INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop- elect of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), answered a variety of questions Aug. 12 from ELCA members throughout the church, offering a view of what they can expect from his leadership. Hanson, 54, is bishop of the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod and will leave the position to assume the role of ELCA presiding bishop Nov. 1.
Hanson was elected Aug. 11 on the fifth ballot for presiding bishop at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. 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 2,500 people participating, including 1,039 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Sharing Faith in a New Century."
Hanson used the technology of the Internet to reach ELCA members in a one-hour televised "Webcast." There were 759 viewers. He was joined by the Rev. H. George Anderson, who will conclude his term as presiding bishop Oct. 31, and the Rev. Barbara Berry-Bailey, who hosted the program. Berry-Bailey is an assembly voting member from the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Members e-mailed 207 questions to the ELCA's Web site, which were sorted by topic to offer Hanson a chance to respond to a variety of subjects. Lutheran Brotherhood, a fraternal benefits organization based in Minneapolis, provided financial support for the assembly Web casts. FaithandValues.com, an interfaith Web services company, provided technical support.
"It is a Holy privilege to accept this call," he said, pointing out that he has served in three distinctive congregations in 21 years as a pastor. "I covet your prayers." Hanson also said the church "is the Lord's church, not mine." He thanked Anderson, and the Rev. Herbert W. Chilstrom, the first ELCA presiding bishop for the "great gift" they gave through their shaping of the ELCA, formed in 1987.
Hanson is a person who will listen to everyone, Anderson said. Hanson will meet with people who may disagree with the church, and learn from their concerns, he added.
The presiding-bishop elect responded to questions on numerous topics during the Webcast:
+ On the role of young people in the church: "If the church is going to receive young people, it needs to recognize them as leaders now, not just leaders in training," he said.
+ On ELCA relationships with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS): "We share a concern for the common mission of Christ. I think there's a way to tend to our differences, but not let that interfere with our public witness to the world," Hanson said.
+ On the transition to presiding bishop: His call as bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod "was incredibly meaningful for me," Hanson said, who has served as bishop there since 1995 and was re-elected this year. Discussions are already underway with the synod's leadership regarding his replacement as synod bishop, he said. "It's as important for me to end well as it is important for me to begin well," Hanson added.
+ On the church's role with people in poverty: "The poor must be listened to and empowered. It will be a passion of mine," he said.
+ On ecumenical relationships, especially with the Episcopal Church: Hanson stated his support for the full communion relationship of the ELCA and Episcopal Church. He also supported adoption of an ELCA constitutional bylaw by the churchwide assembly that makes possible limited exceptions to ordination procedures required by the agreement. "I am very mindful that the bylaw raises concern for our church and others. I called Bishop Griswold to insure him of my commitment to the integrity of that agreement," he said. Griswold is presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.
+ On gay and lesbian people, and the church: Hanson said he prefers not to refer to this issue as "the homosexual issue." He said he prefers to discuss it in terms of people and relationships. "I hope we do nothing to stand in the way of people hearing the gospel," he said. The issue should not be divisive, and people should discuss it in a spirit of humility and not be mean-spirited, Hanson said.
+ On caring for himself: Hanson said he regularly prays with other people. He is presently on sabbatical, which he admitted is probably over. He read, walked and prayed during his sabbatical, and Hanson said the "rhythms of Sabbath rest" were important for him. -- -- --
A recorded version of the Aug. 12 Webcast is posted at http://www.elca.org/assembly/01 on the ELCA's assembly Web site, as well as information about assembly actions. Recorded updates during the assembly are available by calling 773/380-2477.

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John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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