CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
provided $1 million to support immediate relief efforts for survivors of
Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines Nov. 8. The funds were
disbursed through Lutheran Disaster Response to Lutheran World Relief.
“We are showing up,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding
bishop. “Lutheran Disaster Response, working through Lutheran World
Relief, is meeting the immediate needs of people affected by this storm.
This means that our entire church is on the ground in the Philippines,
and we will stay there until the work is done. We are a church that does
God’s work with our hands,” she said.
The relief funds will provide for the distribution of cooking
utensils, shelter repair kits and debris removal.
“Lutheran World Relief is a tried and true partner,” said Carl
Stecker, ELCA director for global diakonia. “Their long presence in the
Philippines and their experience in disaster response, recovery and
development provide strong reason to have confidence that our $1 million
commitment will be used to meet the immediate and longer term recovery
needs in some of the hardest-hit areas. We know that they are results-
oriented and will provide systematic and timely reports of their
activities. We are proud to partner with them,” he said.
According to the United Nations, at least 9 million people are
affected and more than 600,000 are displaced from their homes as a result
of the storm. Widespread destruction has complicated relief efforts,
leaving thousands stranded in at least eight regions of the country.
Lutheran Disaster Response International will also provide
assistance through the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, an ELCA
companion. The response will be coordinated with The Lutheran World
Federation.
Financial gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response will be used 100
percent to support relief efforts for all survivors impacted by the
typhoon. Information about Lutheran Disaster Response is available at
www.ELCA.org/typhoon. Lutheran World Relief is an independent Lutheran
agency that works with community-based partners.
- - -
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
