wfn.org | ELCA Council Hears Presiding Bishop's Vision for Church in 20 Years

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ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 14, 2000

ELCA COUNCIL HEARS PRESIDING BISHOP'S VISION FOR CHURCH IN 20 YEARS
00-277-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has outlined a
vision for the ELCA in 20 years.  Anderson shared six characteristics
for the future church in his report to the ELCA Church Council Nov.
11.
     The Church Council is the ELCA's board of directors and serves
as the legislative authority of the church between its churchwide
assemblies.  The council met here Nov. 10-13.  Assemblies are held
every other year; the next is Aug. 8-14, 2001, in Indianapolis.
     Anderson's six-point vision for the ELCA in 2020 is:
     + that the church will be representative of the diverse
population of the United States;
     + that the church will work effectively with ecumenical
partners;
     + that the church will be noted for its solidarity with the
poor;
     + that members will connect their faith with their daily life;
     + that congregations will see themselves as mission centers;
and
     + that its leaders will focus on helping members to use their
talents for ministry.
     Anderson said he drew up the list at the request of a council's
Planning and Evaluation Committee.
     "We must keep long-term goals in mind," he said.  The presiding
bishop has continually emphasized the ELCA's ministry with the poor.
In response, the church council, in 1999, designated $3 million in
reserve funds for ministry among people in poverty.
     "It should be possible for some churches in this country to be
known for solidarity with the poor," he added.
     In his report to the council, Anderson confirmed he will not
accept a nomination for another term as bishop.  Anderson's six-year
term concludes Oct. 31, 2001.  A new presiding bishop will be elected
at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Indianapolis, and that person 
will be installed Oct. 6, 2001.  Anderson also said there will be a
"substantial transition" in the ELCA Office of the Bishop, because
others are also expected to retire.

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