INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Jesus is present in the poor and Christians must seek Him there, said the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The bishop, who will leave office Oct. 31, preached his final sermon to a churchwide assembly at a Holy Communion service Aug. 13.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the Indiana Convention Center. There are about 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."
Biblical teachings mandate service to the oppressed and homeless, Anderson said. He preached on a text from the book of Matthew in the Christian Bible that explains serving the poor is actually serving God. On judgement day, people will be accountable for their treatment of those less fortunate, Anderson said and not their knowledge. "Apparently God is not as concerned about who was orthodox as about who was loving," he said.
Anderson cited biblical teachings explaining how Jesus reached out to marginalized people. He drew laughter from the congregation when he told the story of a woman whom Jesus welcomed when she touched the hem of his garment for healing. "Jesus didn't turn to her and say, 'Woman, you have an inadequate Christology. Go sell all you have and take a course in theology,'" Anderson said.
During the assembly, ELCA voting members approved acts of mercy and justice, Anderson said. Lutherans adopted plans to minister to Latinos and Asians and Pacific Islanders. They heard reports on continued progress on advocacy for farmers in crisis and urban ministry initiatives.
Acts of mercy change those who serve, Anderson said. Sending money to the poor is good but God wants people to be involved, he said. Meeting the oppressed will open eyes and change hearts, Anderson said, and provide those who serve the "gift of seeing the truth, the truth about what really matters to God."
Anderson preached at the worship and was assisted by officers of the ELCA, including the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, secretary; Dr. Addie J. Butler, vice president; Richard McAuliffe, treasurer. The Rev. Mark Hanson, presiding bishop-elect Hanson was elected and Almen's was re- elected at this assembly. -- -- --
Information about assembly action 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
