CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Total operating revenue for the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was $53.3 million -- up $910,000 for the first eight months of the current fiscal year when compared to the same period one year ago, said Richard L. McAuliffe, ELCA treasurer. McAuliffe made the comment in his final report to the ELCA Church Council.
The fiscal year for the ELCA churchwide organization begins Feb. 1 and concludes Jan. 31.
Income from congregations through the ELCA's 65 synods in the form of mission support was $42 million through Sept. 30, down $893,000 from the previous fiscal year, he said. However, other funds available for budgeted operations of the church increased $993,000 for the 2001 fiscal year compared to the same period in 2000. A significant factor in the increase was the receipt of substantial bequest and other gift income, McAuliffe said.
The Church Council met here Nov. 9-11. The council is the ELCA's board of directors and serves as the legislative authority of the church between its churchwide assemblies. Assemblies are held every other year; the next is Aug. 11-17, 2003, in Milwaukee.
Financial gifts to the church designated for ELCA Disaster Response through Sept. 30 were $2.6 million, McAuliffe reported. From Aug. 31 to Sept. 30, disaster response gifts to the ELCA increased more than $1 million, he said. Contributions to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal -- the fundraising arm of the ELCA's hunger programs -- were $7.7 million through Sept. 30, up slightly from the previous year, McAuliffe reported.
McAuliffe, who has served the ELCA as treasurer since 1992, announced earlier this year he will leave office when his current term expires Jan. 31. The council elected Christina Jackson-Skelton as his successor. Jackson-Skelton, director for finance, ELCA Division for Global Mission, will serve a six-year term as ELCA treasurer beginning Feb. 1. She was nominated by the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, following a search process.
In a separate action the council approved a spending authorization of $85,014,700 for the 2002 fiscal year for the churchwide organization. The council also authorized $16.5 million in spending for the church's world hunger programs in 2002.
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
