ELCA synod continues prayer for Mengelt family, announces acting bishop

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Leaders of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) sent a letter April 11
to pastors, members and congregations of the synod with continued
expressions of sorrow and sympathy for the family of Maureen Mengelt, who
died April 7 when she was struck by the vehicle of the Rev. Bruce H.
Burnside, bishop of the synod, who was arrested and charged
with “vehicular homicide while intoxicated.”
“We pray that God will comfort the Mengelt family -- especially
Maureen’s husband, Kevin, and her children, Megan, Andrew and Allyson --
and surround them with peace and grace. We ask for prayers for all those
(grieving) the death of one of God's dear children. Our sadness for the
untimely death of Maureen Mengelt is too great to be adequately
expressed,” stated the letter.
“Throughout these days, we have been in prayer for members of the
synod staff and the synod council, for Bishop Bruce Burnside and his
family, and for the pastors, leaders and congregations of our synod,” it
said.
Burnside was released April 11 on bond and entered an inpatient
treatment facility.
In accordance with the ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin's
constitution and bylaws, the synod council confirmed the temporary
appointment of the Rev. Blake E. Rohrer as acting bishop to oversee the
ministry and work of the synod. Rohrer serves as an assistant to the
bishop and director for evangelical mission.
Prayer resources are available on the synod website at www.scsw-
ELCA.org, and the letter is available at http://www.scsw-ELCA.org/PR_4-11-
13.aspx.
“Please continue to pray for all those affected by this unfortunate
tragedy. We live in the trust that nothing can separate us from God’s
love, and we pray that God’s love will sustain us all today and in the
days ahead,” Eric Peterson, synod vice president, wrote in the letter.