2003 Synod Assembly

Fourth Plenary - Report of the Bishop, ELCA

Added 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2003

A representative of the national office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shared updates of national programs at the 16th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly.

The Rev. Dr. James Childs, director of the ELCA Studies on Sexuality, brought a report from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. Childs said the ELCA made great progress last year in combating hunger, furthering evangelism, and being a public voice.

"You've done a great job at this assembly," he said, "showing how your giving to the church and its affiliates serves the larger mission of the church."

Childs said the ELCA World Hunger Program received $13 million in donations last year. That money was used to fund hunger relief efforts and related educational programs across the world.

He said an additional $8 million was spent to support missionaries in dozens of countries. More money was allocated domestically to foster multi-cultural evangelism and help sustain growing urban congregations.

Childs said Hanson has also worked to provide a clear voice for the ELCA, by speaking out against war in Iraq and calling for increased evangelism among clergy and laypeople.

Childs said by working together, the entire ELCA family has helped alleviate poverty and hunger, while reaching out and bringing the loving message of Christ to more people.

"These are but a few illustrations of how we, together, are able to do a number of many great things," he said.

Childs also presented an award to The Rev. Harold L. Usgaard, Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, expressing Hanson's "profound gratitude" for the synod's "partnership and mission support" in 2002.

Following Childs' fourth plenary presentation, attendants discussed among themselves the future of ELCA. When the group reconvened, Childs said he would happily meet with attendants during the remainder of assembly and deliver any messages for Hanson.

The Rev. Meg Sander, vice dean of the Blue Earth River Conference, concluded the fourth plenary with a prayer for lunch.