wfn.org | ELCA Ends '98 Fiscal Year on plus Side

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 17, 1999

ELCA ENDS '98 FISCAL YEAR ON PLUS SIDE
99-10-56-JB

     TUCSON, Ariz. (ELCA)   Financial results for the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31,
1999, were "most satisfactory," said Richard L. McAuliffe, ELCA
treasurer, in a presentation of preliminary figures to ELCA synodical
bishops.
     The churchwide organization of the ELCA had an excess of income
over expenses of $1.2 million in current operating funds, McAuliffe said
at the March 5-9 meeting here of the ELCA Conference of Bishops.
     Receipts for the fiscal year were $81.8 million and expenses were
$80.6 million, McAuliffe reported.  Income to the ELCA increased $2.4
million last year, and spending increases were $3.1 million, McAuliffe
said.
     Growth in mission support to the churchwide organization from
congregations through synods was significant, McAuliffe said.  "Mission
support was a record $66.7 million," he told the bishops. "I want to
express great appreciation to the bishops, the synods and staff for
their work to bolster mission support."  Mission support increased $1.6
million from 1997 to 1998.
     In addition to current operating funds, giving to designated funds
increased in 1998.
     "Contributions to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal were $12.6 million,
an increase of $750,000 from the previous year," McAuliffe said.  "ELCA
Disaster Response funds received in 1998 amounted to $5.4 million
compared to $3.6 million in 1997."

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html