MINNEAPOLIS (ELCA)-- Voting members of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) approved a 2010 current fund income proposal of $76.69 million for the churchwide organization, and an ELCA World Hunger Appeal income proposal of $18.7 million. They also approved a current income proposal of $76.77 million and a World Hunger income goal of $19 million for 2011.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including the 1,045 voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "God's work. Our hands."
With a vote of 863-71 voting members approved the budget, which reflects a decrease in income expectations. The approved $76.69 million for 2010 shows a 6.4 percent decrease from the 2009 budget. The approved $18.7 million income goal for the ELCA World Hunger for 2010 represents a decrease from the $20 million goal for 2009.
In discussion leading up to the vote the Rev. John V. Carrier, ELCA Southeastern Minnesota Synod, spoke in opposition of passing the budget because it curtails giving to campus ministry, "one of the most important domestic missions of the church."
"My soul is grieved by the level of giving of less than 2 percent of what God has given," said Michael V. Johnson, ELCA Southeastern Michigan Synod. Speaking in favor of approving the budget, Johnson said, "We have to go back to congregations and teach about tithing and about what God has given us." Having gone through personal bankruptcy, Johnson said he was able to contribute 10 percent to the church, which served as an "incredible spiritual growth" process for him and his family.
Joseph S. Roberts, ELCA Minneapolis Synod, also spoke in favor. "I have been a recipient of your good gifts," he told the assembly. Originally from Liberia, Roberts said he, along with his wife and children, "walked so many months without food. We ate roots, slept on a range until we crossed into another country, where we found the Lutheran World Federation at work. I know the importance of aid, and I want to say thanks."
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Information about the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly can be found at http://www.elca.org/assembly on the Web.
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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
