wfn.org | ELCA Releases More Funds for Kosovo Relief

[NEWS <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 3, 1999

ELCA RELEASES MORE FUNDS FOR KOSOVO RELIEF
99-151-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- International Disaster Response of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) released an additional
$530,000 to provide emergency assistance for Kosovar refugees.  The ELCA
has distributed a total of $805,000 for Kosovo relief.
     Through Action by Churches Together (ACT), $330,000 was
distributed to Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Norwegian Church Aid;
$200,000 was given to Lutheran World Relief for shipment and medical
assistance.  ACT, a worldwide network of churches and related agencies
meeting human need through coordinated emergency response, is based with
the LWF and the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Switzerland.  The
ELCA is a member of the LWF and WCC.
     The ELCA issued an appeal for funds to help confront the
increasing humanitarian crisis with the conflict in and around Kosovo.
The appeal, sent to the church's 5.2 million members, includes a
statement by the Rev. H. George Anderson, presiding bishop of the ELCA.
     "Like most Americans, I have been distressed by the reports of the
evolving crisis in the Balkans.  The tragic suffering of the Kosovo
Albanians, caused by armed attacks and other forms of violence --
including "ethnic cleansing" -- conducted by Yugoslav security forces,
compels the international community to respond.  I regret that military
action has largely replaced diplomacy," said Anderson.

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