by Lauren A. Lamb*, ELCA News Service
The Rev. Ralph E. Jones was re-elected June 7 to a six-year term
as bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at the synod
assembly in Greenville, Pa., June 7-9. Jones, 52, was elected on
the first ballot with 152 of 179 votes. There were 14 names on
the first or nominating ballot. Jones' new term begins Sept. 1.
Jones was born in Kittanning, Pa. He earned a bachelor's degree
in biblical studies from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa., a
master of divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Gettysburg (LTSG), and a master's degree in systematic theology
from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. Gettysburg College is one
of 28 ELCA colleges and universities; and LTSG is one of eight
ELCA seminaries. Before he was elected bishop in 2001, Jones was
pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Corry, Pa.
The ELCA Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod has 28,469 baptized
members in 88 congregations. The synod office is in Oil City,
Pa.
---
*Mary Housholder, Administrative Coordinator, ELCA Northwestern
Pennsylvania Synod, provided information.
* Lauren A. Lamb is a senior public relations and speech
communication major at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
This summer she is an intern with the ELCA News Service.
- - -
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
