wfn.org | ELCA Assembly Addresses Debt of Poor Nations

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 20, 1999
PERSECUTION, YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS

ELCA ASSEMBLY ADDRESSES DEBT OF POOR NATIONS, RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION,
YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS
99-CWA-41-DM

     DENVER (ELCA)   The 1999 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Aug. 18 adopted resolutions in support
of efforts to reduce the international debt of the world's poorest
nations, to respond to religious persecution around the world and to
celebrate the International Year of Older Persons.
     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the
ELCA, is meeting Aug. 16-22 here at the Colorado Convention Center.
There are more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,038 ELCA
voting members.  The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ
Known: Hope for a New Century."
     All three resolutions were brought to the assembly by a committee
that recommends action based on proposals from the church body's 65
synods.
     Of the three, only the resolution addressing Jubilee 2000: USA
Campaign -- part of the worldwide movement to reduce the debt burden of
poor countries -- drew many speakers, and nearly all of those spoke in
support.  All three resolutions were adopted by huge margins.
     Assembly members voted 949 to 29 to "express support for the work
of the Jubilee 2000: USA Campaign promoting education and advocacy on
international debt issues and to affirm continued ELCA participation in
the Jubilee 2000: USA Campaign."  The resolution also affirmed concern
for the alleviation of poverty and hunger in poor nations and
initiatives that "sustain the earth."
     Among speakers in support of the resolution was Norman Barth, a
voting member from the ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod and former executive
director of Lutheran World Relief, the inter-Lutheran international
disaster-aid and development organization.  He said that more than the
entire export earnings of some countries go to service their debt.  That
means there is little or no money to support such needs as health care
and education.
     "Some 42 countries are highly indebted, most of them in Africa,"
Barth said.  He said "much of the debt was incurred by dictators who are
no longer around."  He noted that efforts to reduce international debt
and interest payments tie that to guarantees that the money saved will
be spent on the country's social infrastructure instead.
     The vote was 967 to 7 in favor of the resolution that calls on
ELCA members "to pray for all victims of religious persecution, both
Christians and non-Christians, and for their oppressors."
     It also directs the ELCA Division for Church in Society to
continue working with other church units to study the issue and help the
church respond "effectively and sensitively to violations of the human
right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion."  ELCA members are
called upon to "continue to foster respect, tolerance and understanding
of other faiths" and to let the federal government know of their
"concern for all victims of religious persecution in other parts of the
world, conveying their conviction that such human rights violations are
contrary to the international community's standards for freedom of
conscience and religion."
     The assembly affirmed support for the United Nations 1999
International Year of Older Persons by a vote of 823 to 14.  The
resolution supports promotion of events and activities designed to
celebrate the International Year in 1999, asks the directors of ELCA
divisions and units to include issues raised by the resolution in its
planning, and encourages various ELCA units "to develop ministry
resources that focus on and are inclusive of older adults."
     During brief discussion before the vote, a voting member who also
is a nursing-home administrator said the self-worth of older adults is
enhanced by opportunities to serve others.  Kristine Gernes, from the
ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod, encouraged the church to "celebrate the
well of wisdom" found in older adults.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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