by Katherine R. Hinck*, ELCA News Service
International Disaster Response (IDR) of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) Global Mission is distributing funds to
provide aid for the Middle East and the Indonesian island of
Java.
According to a July 17 IDR announcement, the conflict between
Israel and Hezbollah has reached a critical level, contributing
to death and destruction in both Israel and Lebanon. ELCA Global
Mission has approved $20,000 as an immediate response from IDR to
be sent to the Middle East Council of Churches. An additional
$30,000 was approved in anticipation of a financial appeal by
Action by Churches Together (ACT).
An earthquake off the coast of Java and a tsunami that followed
killed more than 300 people July 17, according to the Indonesian
Department of Social Affairs. ELCA Global Mission has approved
$20,000 from IDR funds as an initial response. The funds will be
sent to ACT to provide medical assistance, food and shelter for
people affected by the natural disasters.
In response to a May earthquake in Java that left more than 5,000
people dead and 20,000 injured, ELCA Global Mission has approved
$50,000 for emergency assistance from IDR to be sent through
Church World Service.
*Katherine R. Hinck is a senior journalism and religion major at
Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. This summer she is an
intern with the ELCA News Service. Information was provided by
ELCA International Disaster Response.
- - -
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
