wfn.org | ELCA Assembly Takes Offering for Turkey Earthquake Disaster

[News News <news@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 19, 1999

ELCA ASSEMBLY TAKES OFFERING FOR TURKEY EARTHQUAKE DISASTER
99-CWA-30-LJG

     DENVER (ELCA) --  Prayers and cash are being sent from the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to assist the victims of
the earthquake in Turkey.  Voting members and visitors focused prayer at
the Aug. 18 plenary session of the churchwide assembly here, and ELCA
International Disaster Response pledged an initial $75,000  toward
rescue efforts to be coordinated through Action by Churches Together
(ACT).  ACT is  a coordinating agency of church and church-related
relief organizations.
     The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the
ELCA, is meeting Aug. 16-22 at the Colorado Convention Center.  There
are more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,039 ELCA voting
members.  The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known:
Hope for a New Century."
     An Aug. 18 offering of more than $4,800 will be designated for
relief in Turkey, said the Rev. Lowell G. Almen, secretary of the ELCA.
Almen noted that because of ongoing support for the ELCA's disaster
response, ELCA members actually provide assistance before they
personally know about disasters around the globe.
     ACT has issued an initial appeal for pledges, reported the Rev. Y.
Franklin Ishida, director for for international communications, ELCA
Division for Global Mission.  ACT has begun assessing the situation in
Turkey together with representatives of the Middle East Council of
Churches. Exact appeal figures will be forthcoming.
     Expected needs include tents, blankets, food, medical supplies,
and logistical support, Ishida said.
     Contributions can be sent to LWR. Credit card contributions can be
made through the ELCA web site at www.elca.org/dgm/disaster/turkey.html
or by calling 1-800-638-3522.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html