CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Luther Institute awarded its annual
Wittenberg Awards for outstanding service to church and society
on Nov. 8. This year's awardees were the Rev. Dr. Jose Ramon
Alcantara Mejia of Mexico City, Dr. Mark Jacobson of Arusha,
Tanzania, and the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb of Bethlehem.
Alcantara, a scholar and Lutheran pastor, was recognized for
numerous efforts to combat poverty in Mexico, especially his work
with AMEXTRA, the Mexican Association for Rural and Urban
Transformation.
Jacobson, an ELCA medical missionary, was honored for his
extraordinary work among the Masai as director of Selian Lutheran
Hospital. He is a leading AIDS educator and an important
advocate for women's health.
Raheb is pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church and director of
the International Center of Bethlehem. He was feted for his
critical work in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue
among Palestinians and Israelis of all faiths.
The Luther Institute is an independent center for laity and
clergy fostering education and research on social, educational
and ethical issues in the public sphere. Based in Washington,
the institute conducts programs to promote its mission and to
advance the role of faith and ethics in public life.
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The Luther Institute has a home page at
http://www.lutherinst.org/ on the Web.
* Dr. Laura L. Mitchell is acting president of The Luther
Institute, Washington, D.C.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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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
