ELCA News Blog
Official news releases of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Updated: 19 hours 10 min ago
ELCA presiding bishop supports Syrian church leaders' call for peace
CHICAGO (ELCA) - In letters to Christian church leaders in Syria, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered his support of the churches' collective call for an end to violence and his prayers for the people in the region.
"In these difficult days, I will continue to pray and encourage members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to pray for you and your efforts to sustain the courage and faith of your communities," wrote Hanson. In addition to prayers for the people of Syria, the presiding bishop said he mourns the recent death of a priest there, "who died serving others."
As the violence in Syria continues, Hanson acknowledged in his letters that there are no simple answers to resolve the current situation, and therefore agrees with many Syrian church leaders on the need for dialogue instead of further fighting.
"We who are at 'the ends of the earth' cannot forget the importance of Syria for the growth of our faith or the communities of disciples keeping the faith in the land of Christianity's birth," Hanson wrote. "We affirm, with you, that the Christian communities in Syria are an essential component to the fabric of Syrian culture and history."
At the conclusion of his letter, Hanson said he will pray for the efforts of Syrian church leaders toward renewing and strengthening their relationships with Muslim neighbors, and he asked how the ELCA might assist church leaders and the people of Syria.
"We know that well-meaning actions can sometimes result in unintended negative consequences, thus we seek your guidance. In this critical time, we hope to do all we can to strengthen your callings to be ministers of reconciliation in your land," wrote Hanson.
The letters were hand-delivered to three Christian leaders in Syria Jan. 28 by His Eminence Jean Kawak, archbishop patriarchal office director, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. Bishop Kawak offered to deliver the letters after they were read aloud by an ELCA member attending a World Council of Churches meeting in Beirut.
Hanson wrote to His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church in All the World; His Beatitude Ignatius IV Hazim, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox Church; and His Beatitude Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
The letters were also shared with Christian Syrian leaders in the United States.
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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 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
"In these difficult days, I will continue to pray and encourage members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to pray for you and your efforts to sustain the courage and faith of your communities," wrote Hanson. In addition to prayers for the people of Syria, the presiding bishop said he mourns the recent death of a priest there, "who died serving others."
As the violence in Syria continues, Hanson acknowledged in his letters that there are no simple answers to resolve the current situation, and therefore agrees with many Syrian church leaders on the need for dialogue instead of further fighting.
"We who are at 'the ends of the earth' cannot forget the importance of Syria for the growth of our faith or the communities of disciples keeping the faith in the land of Christianity's birth," Hanson wrote. "We affirm, with you, that the Christian communities in Syria are an essential component to the fabric of Syrian culture and history."
At the conclusion of his letter, Hanson said he will pray for the efforts of Syrian church leaders toward renewing and strengthening their relationships with Muslim neighbors, and he asked how the ELCA might assist church leaders and the people of Syria.
"We know that well-meaning actions can sometimes result in unintended negative consequences, thus we seek your guidance. In this critical time, we hope to do all we can to strengthen your callings to be ministers of reconciliation in your land," wrote Hanson.
The letters were hand-delivered to three Christian leaders in Syria Jan. 28 by His Eminence Jean Kawak, archbishop patriarchal office director, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. Bishop Kawak offered to deliver the letters after they were read aloud by an ELCA member attending a World Council of Churches meeting in Beirut.
Hanson wrote to His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church in All the World; His Beatitude Ignatius IV Hazim, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox Church; and His Beatitude Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
The letters were also shared with Christian Syrian leaders in the United States.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
ELCA leaders' effort to protect families pays off
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) believe progress has been made with a recent policy change that would keep some families living in the United States, without legal residency, to remain here while applying for legal status -- a step intended to keeping families together.
Such "policies have significant human consequences that affect the lives and well-being of our neighbors," said the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and chair of the ELCA Immigration Ready Bench.
Before the policy change, people living in the U.S. undocumented who return to their country of origin to apply for legal U.S. residency or green card face years of separation from their family.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the new regulation Jan. 6. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the proposed change will only permit the applicant to apply for a waiver of the "unlawful presence" bar while still in the United States. They must still, by law, leave the United States for immigrant processing. The proposed change, expected to take effect later in 2012, is designed to make the wait outside the country shorter.
"There are many people who were brought to the United States without documents as children. They've grown up here, gone to school, landed a job, paid taxes, married and had children. They are Americans in every way except for place of birth. Having to go back to their country of origin and apply for residency could take years, posing hardship to their families and communities," Gordy said.
Although the policy change is considered a step in the right direction in keeping families together, ELCA leaders still believe a complete federal overhaul of the U.S. immigration system is needed.
"What we really need in this country is comprehensive immigration reform," Gordy said.
Along with other ELCA members and synod bishops, Gordy advocated for the policy change in Washington, D.C., this past fall. He also helped initiate a letter to members of Congress and President Barack Obama to express concern over new state immigration laws. Nearly 60 of the 65 synod bishops of the ELCA endorsed the letter in November 2011, which said that federal reform should restore trust in communities and include:
+ An earned pathway to lawful permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship for immigrants and their families who learn English and pay back taxes.
+ Expeditious reunification of families and protection against separating families.
+ Expansion of legal avenues for workers to allow immigrants to migrate to the United States in a safe and legal manner.
+ Decreased use of immigration detention, improvement in detention conditions with increased access to medical assistance, pastoral care and legal council and the increased use of community-based programs that assist immigrants who do need to be incarcerated.
+ Improved border policies that treat all individuals with respect and allow the U.S. government to focus on individuals involved in the trafficking of people, drugs, weapons or other dangerous people seeking entry.
+ Increased programs and resources to help immigrants participate fully in U.S. social and civic life.
The Nov. 30 meetings with Congress and the White House were organized by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants. Based in Baltimore, it works on behalf of the ELCA, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"We wanted to underscore the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the ELCA's concern about the broken immigration system, and to move forward with ways to help and keep families and communities intact," said Eric Sigmon, director for advocacy at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
"This Congress has been unable to agree upon fair and humane immigration reform legislation," said Sigmon. The ELCA, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and other groups have worked with the Obama administration in the past year "to make good policy changes that help families (and) do not necessarily require Congress to pass new laws. The administration can make decisions given the authority provided," he said.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, who serves on Obama's advisory council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, also wrote Congress and the president this past November, calling for immigration reform and support for the DREAM Act (the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) -- legislation that would provide a path for citizenship for undocumented high school graduates.
The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the chief legislative authority of this church, called on its leaders to support comprehensive U.S. immigration reform and the DREAM Act.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Such "policies have significant human consequences that affect the lives and well-being of our neighbors," said the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and chair of the ELCA Immigration Ready Bench.
Before the policy change, people living in the U.S. undocumented who return to their country of origin to apply for legal U.S. residency or green card face years of separation from their family.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the new regulation Jan. 6. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the proposed change will only permit the applicant to apply for a waiver of the "unlawful presence" bar while still in the United States. They must still, by law, leave the United States for immigrant processing. The proposed change, expected to take effect later in 2012, is designed to make the wait outside the country shorter.
"There are many people who were brought to the United States without documents as children. They've grown up here, gone to school, landed a job, paid taxes, married and had children. They are Americans in every way except for place of birth. Having to go back to their country of origin and apply for residency could take years, posing hardship to their families and communities," Gordy said.
Although the policy change is considered a step in the right direction in keeping families together, ELCA leaders still believe a complete federal overhaul of the U.S. immigration system is needed.
"What we really need in this country is comprehensive immigration reform," Gordy said.
Along with other ELCA members and synod bishops, Gordy advocated for the policy change in Washington, D.C., this past fall. He also helped initiate a letter to members of Congress and President Barack Obama to express concern over new state immigration laws. Nearly 60 of the 65 synod bishops of the ELCA endorsed the letter in November 2011, which said that federal reform should restore trust in communities and include:
+ An earned pathway to lawful permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship for immigrants and their families who learn English and pay back taxes.
+ Expeditious reunification of families and protection against separating families.
+ Expansion of legal avenues for workers to allow immigrants to migrate to the United States in a safe and legal manner.
+ Decreased use of immigration detention, improvement in detention conditions with increased access to medical assistance, pastoral care and legal council and the increased use of community-based programs that assist immigrants who do need to be incarcerated.
+ Improved border policies that treat all individuals with respect and allow the U.S. government to focus on individuals involved in the trafficking of people, drugs, weapons or other dangerous people seeking entry.
+ Increased programs and resources to help immigrants participate fully in U.S. social and civic life.
The Nov. 30 meetings with Congress and the White House were organized by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants. Based in Baltimore, it works on behalf of the ELCA, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"We wanted to underscore the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the ELCA's concern about the broken immigration system, and to move forward with ways to help and keep families and communities intact," said Eric Sigmon, director for advocacy at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
"This Congress has been unable to agree upon fair and humane immigration reform legislation," said Sigmon. The ELCA, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and other groups have worked with the Obama administration in the past year "to make good policy changes that help families (and) do not necessarily require Congress to pass new laws. The administration can make decisions given the authority provided," he said.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, who serves on Obama's advisory council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, also wrote Congress and the president this past November, calling for immigration reform and support for the DREAM Act (the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) -- legislation that would provide a path for citizenship for undocumented high school graduates.
The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the chief legislative authority of this church, called on its leaders to support comprehensive U.S. immigration reform and the DREAM Act.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Palestinian Lutheran pastor to receive 'German Media Award'
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, will receive the German Media Prize award Feb. 24 for his work in founding educational, cultural and health care institutions and his commitment to inter-faith dialogue and peacemaking in the Middle East.
"Mitri Raheb is a pastor with passion in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Persistently working for a lasting, just peace in the Middle East, Pastor Raheb is a visionary leader who has created new pathways in the areas of education, employment and health care," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"This deserved recognition of Pastor Raheb is testimony to the global leadership shared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the ELCA remains committed to accompanying this partner church," he said.
The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church is one of six congregations of the 2,000-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The denomination is the only Arabic-speaking Lutheran church in the world and the only indigenous Lutheran Church in the Middle East. The church and ELCA engage in ministry together in a variety of ways, and both are members of The Lutheran World Federation based in Geneva.
In 1988 Raheb became pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church and founded the International Center of Bethlehem in 1995. The center includes the Dar al-Kalima Health and Wellness Center, which focuses on general preventive medicine, community health awareness and psychological health issues associated with the current situation in Palestine.
Raheb also founded the Dar al-Kalima School and Academy in Bethlehem. Together with the International Center of Bethlehem, the school and academy have become the second largest private employer in the Bethlehem area.
The Mission Investment Fund, a financial ministry of the ELCA, provided a loan to support the construction of Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem. The loan is the Mission Investment Fund's first to an ELCA global partner.
According to Raheb, the college is an answer to the current shortage of higher education institutions in Palestine and "a beacon of hope for future generations." Raheb is president of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a not-for-profit organization based in the United States that is instrumental in securing funding for the college.
"We wanted to contribute to empowering generations of Palestinians and help strengthen this vital ministry of the ELCA's companion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land," said Eva Roby, president and CEO of the Mission Investment Fund.
"The ELCA's relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land is long-standing and deep, and we are proud to have relationships with each of the pastors in that church and to accompany them as they seek to respond to the needs of their context," said the Rev. Robert Smith, ELCA program director for the Middle East and North Africa and coordinator of the Peace Not Walls Campaign.
Born in Bethlehem, Raheb received his undergraduate degree in protestant theology from the Hermannsburg Mission Seminary in Germany and earned a master's degree and doctorate in theology at Philipps University Marburg there.
He has written numerous articles, essays and books that concentrate on inter-religious dialogue, contextual theology, church history, biblical interpretation and issues related to the civil society.
Raheb will receive the 2011 German Media Prize along with three others in Baden-Baden, Germany.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
"Mitri Raheb is a pastor with passion in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Persistently working for a lasting, just peace in the Middle East, Pastor Raheb is a visionary leader who has created new pathways in the areas of education, employment and health care," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"This deserved recognition of Pastor Raheb is testimony to the global leadership shared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the ELCA remains committed to accompanying this partner church," he said.
The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church is one of six congregations of the 2,000-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The denomination is the only Arabic-speaking Lutheran church in the world and the only indigenous Lutheran Church in the Middle East. The church and ELCA engage in ministry together in a variety of ways, and both are members of The Lutheran World Federation based in Geneva.
In 1988 Raheb became pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church and founded the International Center of Bethlehem in 1995. The center includes the Dar al-Kalima Health and Wellness Center, which focuses on general preventive medicine, community health awareness and psychological health issues associated with the current situation in Palestine.
Raheb also founded the Dar al-Kalima School and Academy in Bethlehem. Together with the International Center of Bethlehem, the school and academy have become the second largest private employer in the Bethlehem area.
The Mission Investment Fund, a financial ministry of the ELCA, provided a loan to support the construction of Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem. The loan is the Mission Investment Fund's first to an ELCA global partner.
According to Raheb, the college is an answer to the current shortage of higher education institutions in Palestine and "a beacon of hope for future generations." Raheb is president of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a not-for-profit organization based in the United States that is instrumental in securing funding for the college.
"We wanted to contribute to empowering generations of Palestinians and help strengthen this vital ministry of the ELCA's companion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land," said Eva Roby, president and CEO of the Mission Investment Fund.
"The ELCA's relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land is long-standing and deep, and we are proud to have relationships with each of the pastors in that church and to accompany them as they seek to respond to the needs of their context," said the Rev. Robert Smith, ELCA program director for the Middle East and North Africa and coordinator of the Peace Not Walls Campaign.
Born in Bethlehem, Raheb received his undergraduate degree in protestant theology from the Hermannsburg Mission Seminary in Germany and earned a master's degree and doctorate in theology at Philipps University Marburg there.
He has written numerous articles, essays and books that concentrate on inter-religious dialogue, contextual theology, church history, biblical interpretation and issues related to the civil society.
Raheb will receive the 2011 German Media Prize along with three others in Baden-Baden, Germany.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Lutherans invite students to help end malaria
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The ELCA Malaria Campaign, a campaign of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative will provide new opportunities for college and university students attending Lutheran schools and ELCA campus ministries to engage in the global fight against malaria. Supported with a generous gift from Arne and Ruth Sorenson of Washington, D.C., the campaign and initiative will help equip and inspire young leaders to help make a difference.
Every 45 seconds a child dies of malaria, a treatable and preventable disease that kills more than 800,000 people a year, mostly children in Africa.
"Our goal with this gift is to educate, equip and mobilize," said Arne Sorenson. "We want to raise awareness of the malaria epidemic among students on Lutheran schools and campus ministries, to equip them to inspire their fellow students, teachers and communities, and assist them in mobilizing their communities to make a difference in the fight against this devastating disease. By investing in helping students raise funds for malaria, we're able to multiply the impact of our own gift to reach even more people in need with life-saving prevention and treatment -- and also helping to develop the next generation of leaders in the church."
Through the ELCA Malaria Campaign, the Sorenson College and Campus Ministries Program and Sorenson Social Media Grants will provide funding in the form of grants for students at the ELCA's 26 colleges and universities and campus ministries to implement awareness and fundraising campaigns at their schools. Students chosen as grant recipients must make a commitment to emphasize the ELCA Malaria Campaign on their campuses for two years through activities ranging from guest speakers to video contests.
Through Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran Malaria Initiative Fellowship will provide opportunities for students at campuses of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to manage awareness and fundraising campaigns in their campus communities. Each of the students will receive a stipend and a program budget, as well as funding to travel to Africa to learn firsthand about how malaria affects communities and how the Lutheran Malaria Initiative is making a difference.
Students in both programs will make a two-year commitment and receive training in fundraising.
"The generous gift from ELCA members Arne and Ruth Sorenson enables the ELCA Malaria Campaign to build up three strengths of the ELCA: students with a passion to be engaged in God's work of healing and restoring community, longstanding partnerships with churches in Africa who are creating programs for malaria campaign activities, and a strong network of 26 colleges and universities as well as campus ministries," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson.
"This is an innovative, forward-looking partnership," said John Nunes, president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief. "We are so grateful to the Sorensons for making this exciting program a reality. Not only will the students who receive the grants have an unparalleled learning experience, the funds they raise through their communities will have a very real impact on communities in Africa struggling with the scourge of malaria."
The ELCA Malaria Campaign, working through Lutheran Churches in Africa, is uniquely positioned to provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, health care, education and more to eliminate deaths from this disease -- for good.
The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is a partnership of Lutheran World Relief and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to end malaria deaths by 2015. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is made possible through support from the United Nations Foundation.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Every 45 seconds a child dies of malaria, a treatable and preventable disease that kills more than 800,000 people a year, mostly children in Africa.
"Our goal with this gift is to educate, equip and mobilize," said Arne Sorenson. "We want to raise awareness of the malaria epidemic among students on Lutheran schools and campus ministries, to equip them to inspire their fellow students, teachers and communities, and assist them in mobilizing their communities to make a difference in the fight against this devastating disease. By investing in helping students raise funds for malaria, we're able to multiply the impact of our own gift to reach even more people in need with life-saving prevention and treatment -- and also helping to develop the next generation of leaders in the church."
Through the ELCA Malaria Campaign, the Sorenson College and Campus Ministries Program and Sorenson Social Media Grants will provide funding in the form of grants for students at the ELCA's 26 colleges and universities and campus ministries to implement awareness and fundraising campaigns at their schools. Students chosen as grant recipients must make a commitment to emphasize the ELCA Malaria Campaign on their campuses for two years through activities ranging from guest speakers to video contests.
Through Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran Malaria Initiative Fellowship will provide opportunities for students at campuses of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod to manage awareness and fundraising campaigns in their campus communities. Each of the students will receive a stipend and a program budget, as well as funding to travel to Africa to learn firsthand about how malaria affects communities and how the Lutheran Malaria Initiative is making a difference.
Students in both programs will make a two-year commitment and receive training in fundraising.
"The generous gift from ELCA members Arne and Ruth Sorenson enables the ELCA Malaria Campaign to build up three strengths of the ELCA: students with a passion to be engaged in God's work of healing and restoring community, longstanding partnerships with churches in Africa who are creating programs for malaria campaign activities, and a strong network of 26 colleges and universities as well as campus ministries," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson.
"This is an innovative, forward-looking partnership," said John Nunes, president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief. "We are so grateful to the Sorensons for making this exciting program a reality. Not only will the students who receive the grants have an unparalleled learning experience, the funds they raise through their communities will have a very real impact on communities in Africa struggling with the scourge of malaria."
The ELCA Malaria Campaign, working through Lutheran Churches in Africa, is uniquely positioned to provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, health care, education and more to eliminate deaths from this disease -- for good.
The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is a partnership of Lutheran World Relief and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to end malaria deaths by 2015. The Lutheran Malaria Initiative is made possible through support from the United Nations Foundation.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Lutheran-Anglican-Episcopal meeting a sign of hope for the church
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Lutheran, Anglican and Episcopal leaders from the United States and Canada met in December to explore new possibilities for working together and to deepen their sense of unity for doing God's work in the world. In a report issued from their meeting, the leaders stated that their conversation and work together "are hopeful signs for the church."
"There was truly a spirit of Advent expectant hope as we met to pray and plan for greater cooperation in ministry and mission," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson of the meeting.
"There is so much more we can do when working together, whether that is in military chaplaincy, global mission, campus ministry, planting new congregations or advocacy. I look forward to our continued shared leadership and to new possibilities that exist to proclaim the good news of Jesus, engaging in God's work for the life of the world because of our full-communion relationship," he said.
Gathered together for their second annual meeting was Hanson; the Rev. Susan Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; the Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church U.S.A.; and the Rev. Fred Hiltz, archbishop of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Topics representing their mutual areas of interest and concern ranged from ecumenical and interfaith issues to immigration reform and poverty, from relief and development work to Middle East policies. They reviewed the possibility of producing materials, study guides and resources that congregations and parishes in all four churches could use in various seasons of the liturgical year, and they also addressed the challenges of "church planting" and the need for strategy to do this work with full-communion partners.
The national leaders formed a subcommittee to further consider how to make the bilateral full-communion relationships effective among the four churches.
The group will meet again in 2012, and staff of the four churches will be invited to provide updates on collaborative work. In February, the co-chairs of the Lutheran Episcopal Coordinating Committee will attend a regular session of the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission.
"The meeting of leaders from our four churches continued to deepen our sense of unity in the gospel and our sense of being united in Christ's mission. We look forward to tangible ways in which we do ministry together that will support our congregations and our witness in God's world," said the Rev. Donald McCoid, assistant to the presiding bishop, ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations.
McCoid attended the meeting, along with other representatives of the four denominations.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
"There was truly a spirit of Advent expectant hope as we met to pray and plan for greater cooperation in ministry and mission," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson of the meeting.
"There is so much more we can do when working together, whether that is in military chaplaincy, global mission, campus ministry, planting new congregations or advocacy. I look forward to our continued shared leadership and to new possibilities that exist to proclaim the good news of Jesus, engaging in God's work for the life of the world because of our full-communion relationship," he said.
Gathered together for their second annual meeting was Hanson; the Rev. Susan Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; the Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church U.S.A.; and the Rev. Fred Hiltz, archbishop of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Topics representing their mutual areas of interest and concern ranged from ecumenical and interfaith issues to immigration reform and poverty, from relief and development work to Middle East policies. They reviewed the possibility of producing materials, study guides and resources that congregations and parishes in all four churches could use in various seasons of the liturgical year, and they also addressed the challenges of "church planting" and the need for strategy to do this work with full-communion partners.
The national leaders formed a subcommittee to further consider how to make the bilateral full-communion relationships effective among the four churches.
The group will meet again in 2012, and staff of the four churches will be invited to provide updates on collaborative work. In February, the co-chairs of the Lutheran Episcopal Coordinating Committee will attend a regular session of the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission.
"The meeting of leaders from our four churches continued to deepen our sense of unity in the gospel and our sense of being united in Christ's mission. We look forward to tangible ways in which we do ministry together that will support our congregations and our witness in God's world," said the Rev. Donald McCoid, assistant to the presiding bishop, ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations.
McCoid attended the meeting, along with other representatives of the four denominations.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
2011 Christmas message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), shared a Christmas greeting today with the 4.2 million members of this church. Hanson also delivered his greeting to the ELCA's six full communion, ecumenical and interfaith partners, and member churches of The Lutheran World Federation. The full text of the presiding bishop's message follows:
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all (Titus 2:11).
Yes In this world where God creates with deep
beauty and profound mystery.
In this world where so many yearn for
God's healing and peace.
In this world where some have thought God has forsaken us:
Yes Here, in this world, the grace of God has appeared.
Not just in this world but for you.
Yes For you, weary from trying to meet the
expectations of others.
For you, worrying about an uncertain future.
For you, wondering if you are worthy.
Yes For you, the grace of God has appeared,
bringing salvation.
Not just for you but for all.
Yes For all, salvation has come in the wonder of
God in mercy bending low to meet us
in our humanity.
In the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.
In the power and promise
of the gospel's proclamation,
God's goodness and loving-kindness has appeared
in the Savior Jesus.
So with angelic messengers and witnessing shepherds,
we raise our voices:
"Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors."
Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Click here for a video version of Presiding Bishop Hanson's Christmas message.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all (Titus 2:11).
Yes In this world where God creates with deep
beauty and profound mystery.
In this world where so many yearn for
God's healing and peace.
In this world where some have thought God has forsaken us:
Yes Here, in this world, the grace of God has appeared.
Not just in this world but for you.
Yes For you, weary from trying to meet the
expectations of others.
For you, worrying about an uncertain future.
For you, wondering if you are worthy.
Yes For you, the grace of God has appeared,
bringing salvation.
Not just for you but for all.
Yes For all, salvation has come in the wonder of
God in mercy bending low to meet us
in our humanity.
In the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.
In the power and promise
of the gospel's proclamation,
God's goodness and loving-kindness has appeared
in the Savior Jesus.
So with angelic messengers and witnessing shepherds,
we raise our voices:
"Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors."
Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Click here for a video version of Presiding Bishop Hanson's Christmas message.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Secretary of State Clinton highlights the work of ELCA-related ministries
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton noted the vital work of Lutheran social ministry organizations in welcoming refugees to the United States, during her Dec. 7 address at the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugee's ministerial conference in Geneva.
In her presentation to world leaders, Clinton shared a story about Fatuma Elmi, who applied for asylum in the United States after civil war broke out in her native Somalia in 1991. Settled in Minneapolis, Elmi has worked as an employment counselor at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota for the past 17 years. She has been able to find jobs for 79 percent of her clients this year, despite the difficult economy.
Elmi's life is "clear evidence of the wisdom of investing in women," said Clinton, adding that the United States would be delivering 28 pledges to the conference, one designed to build awareness on a major "cause of statelessness, which is discrimination against women," she said.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is an affiliated ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), along with 285 other social ministry organizations across the country.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson said he appreciates Clinton's sharing of Elmi's story and the recognition of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, particularly "on this historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 50th anniversary of the Statelessness Convention in a gathering of world leaders." The ministerial conference brings together more than 150 representatives from around the world. Clinton is a member of the U.S. delegation.
"In sharing Fatuma Elmi's story, Secretary Clinton has affirmed the invaluable contributions resettled refugees bring to life in American communities. In naming Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, she has also recognized the vast network of Lutheran social service organizations that are an expression of faith active in loving service to our neighbor," Hanson said.
"This is who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Many are descendants of a once immigrant people, and others of those who came as slaves. Together we are now participating in God's work of restoring and reconciling communities by welcoming refugees and working towards fair and just immigration reform," he said.
"As individuals, congregations, Lutheran social ministry organizations and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, we know we can achieve things together on a scale and scope we could never do otherwise. As the ELCA, let us make these significant anniversaries an occasion for renewing our commitment to welcoming the new immigrant into the life of our neighborhoods and congregations."
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants. Based in Baltimore, it works on behalf of the ELCA, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Kim Dettmer, director of refugee services at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, said Elmi has "dedicated her life to helping refugees find safety and stability in our community as an employment specialist. Through partnerships with employers, primarily in manufacturing and hospitality industries, many refugees have found entry-level work that has required minimal technical or English skills."
Calling this "a win-win-win situation for refugees, employers and our community," Dettmer said it takes "a community to help refugees succeed. Minnesota has a long tradition of lending a hand to refugees, and they have enhanced our quality of life in many ways. Fatuma is a great example of people from war-torn countries who have worked hard to establish new lives and have given back to the community."
Shortly after her arrival in the United States and prior to her work at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Elmi volunteered at a Somali women's organization mentoring mothers and daughters to ensure that both understood women's roles in the U.S. and the value of an education. Her actions were effective, as five of the six girls Elmi mentored went on to receive a college education, according to Dettmer.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is one of five resettlement organizations in Minnesota helping refugees gain self-sufficiency. Information about the service is at www.lssmn.org.
Information about Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is available at www.lirs.org.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
In her presentation to world leaders, Clinton shared a story about Fatuma Elmi, who applied for asylum in the United States after civil war broke out in her native Somalia in 1991. Settled in Minneapolis, Elmi has worked as an employment counselor at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota for the past 17 years. She has been able to find jobs for 79 percent of her clients this year, despite the difficult economy.
Elmi's life is "clear evidence of the wisdom of investing in women," said Clinton, adding that the United States would be delivering 28 pledges to the conference, one designed to build awareness on a major "cause of statelessness, which is discrimination against women," she said.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is an affiliated ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), along with 285 other social ministry organizations across the country.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson said he appreciates Clinton's sharing of Elmi's story and the recognition of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, particularly "on this historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 50th anniversary of the Statelessness Convention in a gathering of world leaders." The ministerial conference brings together more than 150 representatives from around the world. Clinton is a member of the U.S. delegation.
"In sharing Fatuma Elmi's story, Secretary Clinton has affirmed the invaluable contributions resettled refugees bring to life in American communities. In naming Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, she has also recognized the vast network of Lutheran social service organizations that are an expression of faith active in loving service to our neighbor," Hanson said.
"This is who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Many are descendants of a once immigrant people, and others of those who came as slaves. Together we are now participating in God's work of restoring and reconciling communities by welcoming refugees and working towards fair and just immigration reform," he said.
"As individuals, congregations, Lutheran social ministry organizations and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, we know we can achieve things together on a scale and scope we could never do otherwise. As the ELCA, let us make these significant anniversaries an occasion for renewing our commitment to welcoming the new immigrant into the life of our neighborhoods and congregations."
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants. Based in Baltimore, it works on behalf of the ELCA, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Kim Dettmer, director of refugee services at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, said Elmi has "dedicated her life to helping refugees find safety and stability in our community as an employment specialist. Through partnerships with employers, primarily in manufacturing and hospitality industries, many refugees have found entry-level work that has required minimal technical or English skills."
Calling this "a win-win-win situation for refugees, employers and our community," Dettmer said it takes "a community to help refugees succeed. Minnesota has a long tradition of lending a hand to refugees, and they have enhanced our quality of life in many ways. Fatuma is a great example of people from war-torn countries who have worked hard to establish new lives and have given back to the community."
Shortly after her arrival in the United States and prior to her work at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Elmi volunteered at a Somali women's organization mentoring mothers and daughters to ensure that both understood women's roles in the U.S. and the value of an education. Her actions were effective, as five of the six girls Elmi mentored went on to receive a college education, according to Dettmer.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is one of five resettlement organizations in Minnesota helping refugees gain self-sufficiency. Information about the service is at www.lssmn.org.
Information about Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is available at www.lirs.org.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations 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:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com